title: Pacemaker electrodes and problems related to cardiac pacing and sensing: current solutions and future trends.
abstract: The current status of cardiac electrical stimulation requires electrodes improvements both in pacing and sensing features. A short overview of today's electrode problems and solutions is followed by the presentation of a new pyrocarbon tip lead. The new tip material and the conception of the lead allow an increase in energy transfer efficiency and a retention of good sensing properties. Clinical experience confirms theoretical expectations. New methods for tissue reaction limitation are under evaluation.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002244:Carbon; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000592:standards*; D004285:Dogs; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000592:standards*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007495:Iridium; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D010984:Platinum; D012756:Sheep
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; C009139:pyrolytic carbon; D007495:Iridium; D010984:Platinum; D002244:Carbon