Noninvasive conversion of a fixed-rate demand pacemaker to activity mode: a method for assessing the clinical effect of rate-responsiveness.
Some patients with fixed-rate demand pacemakers may benefit from conversion to a rate-responsive pacing system. In this report, we describe a technique by which the effect of rate-responsive pacing can be assessed before replacing the pacemaker system. An externally positioned activity-mode physiologic pulse generator was used to drive a previously implanted ventricular demand pacemaker programmed to the triggered mode. Comparison of exercise capacity under both conditions suggested a substantial benefit from rate-responsiveness.
McGoon
M D
MD
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
Fetter
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000628:therapy; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000379:methods*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005080:Exercise Test; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009200:Myocardial Contraction; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial