Abstract: The method to replace a header begins with a pacemaker having a can containing a power source and control circuitry and a header to connect with leads. The leads connect to the heart and electrically pace the heart beats properly. The header has a bore which admits a lead into a channel. The channel passes through the header to a centered hole opposite the bore. A removable cap closes the hole until a surgeon seeks to open it. To replace a pacemaker, a surgeon finds the pacemaker and removes the cap. The surgeon inserts a stiff wire through the hole and into the lead. After connecting an analyzer to the lead, the surgeon removes the pacemaker without an interruption of cardiac signaling to the patient. The centered hole and stiff wire for replacement also apply to pacemakers with two or more leads.

Abstract: A pacemaker with a header and method to replace the header has a can containing a power source and control circuitry and a header to connect with leads. The leads connect to the cardiac musculature and provide electrical signals to pace heart beats properly. The header has a bore through which to admit a lead into a channel. The channel passes through the header to a centered hole opposite the bore. A removable plug closes the hole until a surgeon seeks to open it. To replace a pacemaker, a surgeon finds the pacemaker and removes the plug. The surgeon inserts a stiff wire through the hole and into the lead. After connecting an analyzer to the lead, the surgeon removes the pacemaker without an interruption of cardiac signaling to the patient. The centered hole and stiff wire for replacement also apply to pacemakers with two or more leads.