Runaway pacemaker: a forgotten phenomenon?
Runaway is an uncommon pacemaker dysfunction, characterized by fast and erratic spikes at non-physiological rates. This infrequent but potentially lethal failure mode may be related to low battery voltage. Four single chamber pacemaker patients were analyzed (Medtronic Minix ST 8330, Minneapolis, MN, had been implanted in two patients and two CPI Triumph VR 1124, St Paul, MN, in the other two). They had been admitted because of presyncopal episodes. Typical high rate stimuli at 2000 ppm alternating with pacing at 60-65 ppm were recorded in all ECGs. Lead system tests were normal. The pulse generators had to be replaced.
Ortega
Daniel F
DF
Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires, Electrofisiología, Blanco Encalada 1543, DCO 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Sammartino
M Victoria
MV
Pellegrino
Graciela M M
GM
Barja
Luis D
LD
Albina
Gaston
G
Segura
Eliseo V
EV
Balado
Roberto
R
Laiño
Ruben
R
Giniger
Alberto G
AG
D000368:Aged; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*