Why such a short time?

[harleydayz]

My first pacemaker was installed in 1997.  The next one was done in 2005.  I am now being told that I will need a NEW one within the next 4-6 months.  Isn't this a little short on the timeframe???

[ireneo]

A pacemaker may last up to 5 years but it all depends on how much it's used. If it's just on demand (say at night if your heart rate drops too low) it will last longer than if you're being paced 100% of the time. Imagine a flashlight - the batteries will last a lot longer if you only use it once a month for 5 minutes versus having it on constantly for days. Same with the pacer battery. Have you asked your doctor how much pacing your heart requires? That may answer your question about why it has to be replaced relatively soon.

[PikaPika88]

Yes, it is very short on the timeframe.  They must tell you the reason - why?  The lead/s recall (medtronic)?  The lead fracture or dislodge?  Pacemaker battery died?  Need an upgraded pacemaker?   Pacemaker recall?  What kind and what brand of your pacemaker?  Do you have the serial number?  You can directly contact the producer and find out why?  Mine is St Jude and implanted in 2002.  Still got 3 years to go.  Once stage they said all the professional needed to download a programme because it reading the battery life in error.  The programme in error but NOT the pacemaker itself.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/546153