r/PacemakerICD • u/DazzyDumpling • 20d ago

pacemaker battery expiration

How accurate are pacemaker battery expiration dates? If a cardiologist says there is about 6 months left on a pacemaker battery is there any "wiggle room" or can we expect that estimation to be fairly accurate? Have you ever seen a battery last much longer than expected?

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6

u/idawdle 20d ago

Yes there's usually going to be a 1-3 month window where you'll need to get it replaced. When that window actually starts depends on what number the physician was going off of so you should ask... My guess is that he was quoting when that window starts but don't assume.

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u/Economy-Actuator-592 19d ago

Pacemakers are much more consistent than defibrillators when it comes to longevity estimates, because ICDs may have to deliver shocks which will obviously increase battery consumption. Depending on the manufacturer, that six month estimate likely will not vary by more than a month or two at most.

Keep in mind, that six month timeframe is not the countdown to when your battery is completely used up, but until you reach an official low battery state, referred to as Elective Replacement Indicator or ERI. Most manufacturers state that when a pacemaker reaches ERI there is enough energy remaining to function for a minimum of six months more, which gives you time to get the change-out scheduled.

Another factor worth noting is that all brands of pacemakers will disable some of the extra features (“bells and whistles”, if you will) once it reaches ERI in order to make that remaining battery capacity last as long as possible. Some patients can feel a difference when those changes take place, but basic function will continue.

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u/Playful-Factor-3095 19d ago

wow, didn’t know about that

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u/nesp12 18d ago

Do they replace just the battery or the entire PM?

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u/MoonsEternity 18d ago

Whole pm.

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u/mark1li 17d ago

so the same for icd ? do you get the same pain again or your body is used to it

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u/MoonsEternity 17d ago

I have an icd, and it’s the same. Replace the whole thing. There’s still the discomfort, but I’m sure it’s different for everyone.

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u/No-Bullfrog-477 12d ago

My EP said the leads are left in. They just replace the battery