title: Randomized comparison of J-shaped atrial leads with and without active fixation mechanism.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this prospective, randomized, controlled study, we compared the performance of J-shaped active fixation (AF) atrial leads with J-shaped passive fixation (PF) leads, over a 1-year follow-up period.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 200 consecutive patients were prospectively randomized for implantation with a Medtronic 5568 AF lead model (n = 103; Minneapolis, MN, USA) versus a Medtronic 5592 PF model (n = 97), and all lead-related measurements and complications were recorded over one year.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All leads were successfully implanted with a nonsignificant difference in crossover rate to the alternative lead due to failed implantation (1 in the AF and 4 in the PF group, P = NS). Fluoroscopy time during implantation procedure was significantly shorter in the PF group (2.1 +/- 3.6 vs 3.3 +/- 4.5 minute, P < 0.05). Pacing thresholds during implantation were significantly lower in patients with PF leads (0.7 +/- 0.3 V vs 0.9 +/- 0.3 V, P < 0.001) and this difference persisted at 1-year follow-up (0.8 +/- 0.6 V vs 1.3 +/- 0.9 V in PF and AF leads respectively, P < 0.05). Lead-related complications occurred in PF and AF with similar frequency (4% and 9% respectively, P = 0.2). However, pericardial complications occurred only in the AF group (6 cases, P = 0.01). Lead dislodgement was observed in only two cases-both in the PF group (P = 0.3).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both types of J-shaped atrial leads had reasonable performance. PF leads required shorter fluoroscopy time for implantation, demonstrated a better pacing threshold over a 1-year follow-up period and had no pericardial complications, while AF lead implantation was complicated by pericardial irritation and/or effusion in 6% cases (P = 0.01).
authors: Heart Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. dluria@sheba.health.gov.il
authors: David M
authors: DM
authors: Luria
authors: Micha S
authors: MS
authors: Feinberg
authors: Osnat T
authors: OT
authors: Gurevitz
authors: David S
authors: DS
authors: Bar-Lev
authors: Chava
authors: C
authors: Granit
authors: Nechemia
authors: N
authors: Tanami
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Eldar
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Glikson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome