[Value of memory functions in implantable prostheses].
The development of memory functions with memorised electrogrammes is one of the most important technical advances in cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators. These memory functions are very useful in the management of patients with implanted prostheses. In the case of defibrillators, the memory allows evaluation and validation of appropriate treatments (shock or asymptomatic antitachycardia stimulation) or inappropriate function. The memory can also help assess the efficacy of complementary antiarrhythmic therapy or radiofrequency ablation. The incorporation of memory functions in pacemakers is more recent but no less useful. The latest generation of pacemakers have not only a therapeutic but also a diagnostic role with respect to atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. They can lead to the prescription of an antiarrhythmic or anticoagulant drug in cases of sustained atrial fibrillation confirmed by the memorised electrogrammes. The memory function is also a great aid in reprogramming stimulators in cases of overdetection (V-A cross talk). They may also be activated by the patient in cases of sporadic paroxysmal symptoms. The latest development is that of a purely diagnostic prosthesis: the implantable Holter, whose main indication is in the investigation of unexplained syncope.
Defaye
P
P
Service de cardiologie et urgences cardiologiques, CHU Albert Michallon, Grenoble.
Dechaux
D
D
Machecourt
J
J
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000628:therapy; D016248:Computer Storage Devices; D003625:Data Collection; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D011474:Prosthesis Design