[Check up on pacemaker patients. Experiences with long intervals between check ups].
The effect of pacemaker follow-up during the second to fifth year post implantation has been studied. 230 selected patients with single chamber pacemakers (SSI) were followed up at intervals of 2-4 years and were observed prospectively. 110 dual chamber (DDD) and 121 rate-responsive single chamber pacemakers (SSIR) were evaluated retrospectively. In the observation period 7 SSI, 11 DDD and 2 SSIR were reoperated, 8 SSI, 40 DDD and 26 SSIR were reprogrammed. The majority of the interventions were patient-initiated and not the result of routine follow-up. 13 sudden deaths were reported, none of them proven to be pacemaker-related.
Grendahl
H
H
Hiertemedisinsk avdeling, Ullevál sykehus, Oslo.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors