The Sprint Fidelis lead to my defibrillator has not fractured. What should I do?
The FDA recommends that defibrillator settings be adjusted at the patient’s next visit to their doctor. In most cases, the devices can be programmed to give an “early warning” beep when there is a change in the lead impedance (energy going through the lead). While there is no test that accurately predicts when, or if, a lead will fracture, there are often some early clues of lead problems that the physician can detect on interrogation. Some people have been given devices that will allow interrogation of the device over the telephone. In some instances, a fractured lead is extracted in the best interest of the patient. However, the FDA does not recommend the routine surgical removal of a fractured lead because removal carries risks. Instead, physicians should weigh the benefits and risks of either continuing to use the lead with careful monitoring or implanting a different lead model and then capping the old lead so it is no longer useable.
