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Heart Rhythm (Expert Forum)
complications following pacemaker replacement
Answered by
Michael J. McWilliams, M.D. - atrial fibrillation, Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Arrhythmias (SVT, VT), PVC/PAC, Ablation
Wilmington Health Associates
Wilmington - NC
Questions in the Heart Rhythm forum are answered by Dr. Michael J. McWilliams. Topics covered include heart rhythm issues, arrhythmia, irregular heartbeat, implanted defibrillators, pacemakers, and tachycardia.
complications following pacemaker replacement
by karamac, May 11, 2008 04:58PM
In March my Mother had a replacement pacemaker box fitted. As soon as she came back to the ward she complained of intense pain in her sternum, she was told by the nurses that she was suffering from indigestion, they gave her Gaviscon. Although she was still in pain they discharged her two hours later. The pain didn't subside and she started to vomit and was unable to eat, 3 days after the procedure she was back at the hospital (warfarin clinic) and she told them of her symptoms, they told her it was indigestion and she should get herself some Zantac. The following morning - 4 days after the procedure- she complained of the pain and light headness then she collapsed and died at home. She didn't have any pain before the procedure, do you think something has gone wrong during the replacement? She suffered from Atrial Fibrillation and had a "1 wire " pacemaker.She did say that she thought her treatment was particuarly rough compared to when she had her first pacemaker fitted. Help me please make some sense of this?
Doctor's Answer
by Michael J. McWilliams, M.D., May 11, 2008 07:44PM
, May 11, 2008 07:44PM
I am very sorry for your loss.
That would be an unheard of complication to a pacemaker replacement. If all they did was take out the old device and put in a new device, it is hard to imagine what that could have caused. The only way to know the cause of death with reasonable certainty might be an autopsy. I am at a loss as to what could cause that.
Again, I am very sorry.
That would be an unheard of complication to a pacemaker replacement. If all they did was take out the old device and put in a new device, it is hard to imagine what that could have caused. The only way to know the cause of death with reasonable certainty might be an autopsy. I am at a loss as to what could cause that.
Again, I am very sorry.
Post Comment
There is going to be a Coroner's Inquest in the coming months. Unfortunately, there is a long waiting list as our Coroner has been involved in an accident, so it will be some time before we can try to get some answers.