Would like advice on lead extraction vs.lead cap
am a 73 year old woman in good health, non-smoker, lifelong exerciser, weighing 136 lbs at 5’8”. I had a pacemaker implanted 16 years ago for complete heart block. Battery was replaced 2 years ago.
About a month ago, I received a call from my pacemaker clinic saying I had experienced a 16 second ventricular tachycardia at 11:30pm the night before and was I ok. By coincidence, around that time of night I was asleep and when my husband came into the bedroom he accidentally slipped and fell which startled me awake. Otherwise, I felt no symptoms.
My electrophysiologist wanted to see me because my heart wall was last measured 14mm and, based on the VT 16 seconds episod, thought I should undergo an EP study with potential upgrad to a defibrillato. He explained I needed to make a choice between lead extraction or lead capping. I went home and thoor researched both options. I’m extremely frightened about lead extraction, but I understand leaving the leads in can cause more problem.
I would greatly appreciate ANY feedback!