Sprint Fidelis Lead - to change or not?

[elmatt]

It's time for me to get a new ICD because of a low battery. However, I have a Medtronic with the Sprint Fidelis Lead. So far, my lead has been in working order. Have any of you had a working lead replaced since they were replacing the device anyway?

... a little background:

I have had a septal myectomy, mitral valve plication and pericardial window. However after all that fun:-...for the last couple of years everything has been going really well and I am able to stay very active (for an HCM'er) exercise wise.

I am wondering, do I leave it alone because it is still working or do I ask to have it changed because of its' track record, my age (relatively young) and activity level (relatively high)?

Anyone have a similar experience?

[Eileen2345]

Hi Matt,

I had to have one of my leads abondoned and another threaded because it was making "noise" and the device kept thinking I was in V-Fib.

If I were in your shoes, I would not have anything done with the leads. If they are working fine, then I would leave them alone.
But that is just my opinion.

Best of luck to you, glad to hear you are doing well.

(And hey, Phoenix is nice this time of year :D)

[THW]

Hi Matt,
I also have one of the recalled Sprint Fidelis leads, and when the news broke, my local EP said he'd probably recommend capping it (making it inactive) and adding another (replacement) lead once my battery needs replacing. (You're probably already aware that extracting the lead isn't usually recommended.) However, I haven't discussed it further with the folks at Cleveland Clinic where I initially had it implanted (almost 3 years ago). Right now I'm thinking when the time comes to replace my battery, leaving well enough alone sounds good to me. If CCF recommends otherwise, I'll do it.
Theresa

[elmatt]

I met with the EP who put in the current ICD today. He suggested that the lead be replaced since we are going to change the device anyway. He is going to try to extract the old one first and if it doesn't come out easy he is going to cap it and replace it with a St Jude lead, I guess they make a thin one that has been around for awhile and has worked well. The ICD will still be a Medtronic - probably a Concerto. Surgery is scheduled for the 19th of Jan.

[THW]

Matt,
I'm not sure where you are planning to go for this, but just a word of caution about the lead extraction. It is strongly recommended that the leads NOT be extracted unless absolutely necessary and then ONLY by a very skilled surgeon who has the most experience in lead extraction.

If I were you I would give Lisa a call on this one (973-983-7429) before proceeding.
Theresa

[LindaSo]

Ditto what Theresa has said. Please make the call before proceeding.

[elmatt]

The surgeon is Dr Singh here in Phx and seems to be regarded by the Cardiologist here as "the man." when it comes to ICD's. Even when I was at St Luke's in NY for my Myectomy they commented that he did a good job. However, I do plan on doing some more research and gathering as much info as possible.

[LindaSo]

Matt, please be sure a call to Lisa is on your list. He may be "the man", however you need to be sure there is a CT surgeon/team ready to operate if needed. Lisa can provide you with information that you need to know/have a plan for, if necessary.
L

[Cynaburst]

Yes, I was at a medical seminar where one of the top lead extractors in the nation spoke and he said that he always does his extractions in the O.R. and not in a cath lab just in case he has to crack the chest open.

[elmatt]

Well. I had my device and Fidels lead replaced today. The EP decided to just cap the Fidelis lead and threaded a new one. The procedure took around two hours and I was released to go home the same day. So far so good... the surgery was uneventful and I have minimal pain from the new device. Thank you all for your input!

[Linda]

Matt - Thanks for the update - hoping the recovery is rapid and smooth - Linda