Reasons for reprogramming dual chamber pacemakers to VVI mode: a retrospective review using a computer database.
Seven hundred seventy-one dual chamber pacemakers implanted over a 13-year period were identified using a computer database. The mean follow-up period was 40.4 +/- 30.9 months (mean +/- SD). Thirty-three (4.3%) patients were reprogrammed to the VVI mode after a mean period of 26.4 +/- 29 months. Indications for pacing in those reprogrammed were: complete heart block 45.7%, impaired AV conduction 5.7%, sick sinus syndrome 34.2%, carotid sinus syndrome 11.4%, and vasovagal syndrome 2.8%. The most common reason for reprogramming was development of sustained atrial arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation or flutter), which occurred in 25 patients (3.3% of entire group). The remaining 8 (1% of entire group) were reprogrammed because of atrial lead related problems.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
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R
Chamberlain-Webber
M E
ME
Petersen
A
A
Ingram
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L
Briers
R
R
Sutton
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000628:therapy; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D006801:Humans; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D012189:Retrospective Studies