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recalled Medtronic lead

My husband had a Medtronic ICD implanted in 2004. Unfortunately he has one of the recalled leads. He had the generator replaced in 2/09 and was told the lead was not broken. Four weeks later he received four shocks and went to the ER. The defibrillator was turned off with the pacer still working. Now the doc wants to replace the lead. This is causing a lot of anxiety and my husband would like to just keep the defibrillator turned off. Three months ago he had a spontaneous subdural bleed and recovered well from that surgery. Now has to deal with this anxiety of what to do about the pacemaker. I'm worried about complications of replacing the lead, infections, etc. Does it make sense to just keep the defibrillator turned of to lessen his anxiety?
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Avatar universal
Hi,
What was the condition that lead to him getting one in the first place?
You are right to be apprehensive about the ICD lead, I sure know I would be. Removing leads is much more riskier than implanting. There are several doctors in the US that are experts at removing leads and knowing when to leave them alone. I would ask his doctor what his experience is in removing leads and maybe ask for a second opinion. Leads don't always have to be removed either to have another one implanted. Ask about this option also.
It seems overwhelming right now for you after all that he has been through but defibrillators can be a lifesaver, it would be a shame to have one implanted in your chest but not be working when needed.
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678312 tn?1310010574
I know there is a lot to worry about with any surgery but, if it was me, I'd want the protection of the defibrillator - it was put in for a reason.  I'd be worried even more without it.
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