title: Pacemaker clinic evaluations: key to early identification of surgical problems.
abstract: The pacemaker center evaluation was responsible for the timely reoperation of 341 pacemaker patients over the last three years. The most common indication for reoperation was battery end-of-service (46.3%). Battery testing and maintenance of accurate records for trend analysis ensures prompt generator replacement. Atrial and/or ventricular lead malfunction was the second largest indication (26.3%). Lead malfunction detected by bracketing capture and sensing thresholds included: dislodgement, penetration, exit block, fracture, insulation failure, and abnormal sensing. The third largest indication for reoperation was pacemaker pocket erosion and/or infection (15.5%). Examination of the pacemaker pocket site is an integral part of an evaluation. In conclusion, the three largest indications for reoperations can be best demonstrated in a pacemaker center where evaluations are personal and thorough, and accurate record keeping is maintained.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012086:Reoperation