Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are small devices that are placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. They both use pulses or shocks to help control these life-threatening arrhythmias and both consist of two parts: a generator and wires (leads or electrodes). The wires run from the generator into the heart's chambers. They are attached to the heart muscle and will provide electrical signals from the generator as needed. During the life of the device it may become necessary to remove the wires. Typically, removal is required because of one of or more of the following reasons: (1) scar tissue has formed at the attachment point and around the lead, (2) damage has occurred to the inside or outside of the lead, (3) an infection is found at the side of the device or the lead, and/or (4) a blockage of the vein has occurred either by a clot or by scar tissue. The procedure to remove the wires is called a "lead extraction."
The Dangers of Removing Pacemaker and Defibrillator Wires in a Cath Lab.
The July Effect – Don’t Get Sick Over The Summer
While it’s true that health emergencies do not follow any sort of set schedule, there are certain times when you might face inefficient or negligent care from a hospital. Thousands of people across the nation avoid scheduling surgeries or complex procedures during the summer months due to conventional wisdom collectively referred to as “The July Effect.”
