[Spanish Pacemaker Registry. Fourth Official Report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiac Stimulation (2006)].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this report was to describe the results of an analysis of the data on pacemaker implantations reported to the Spanish Pacemaker Registry during 2006. Special emphasis was placed on sociodemographic characteristics and on the pacing modes implemented for different electrocardiographic indications.


METHODS
The data collected comprised all the information recorded with the European Pacemaker Patient Identification Card. Special software was used for the analysis.


RESULTS
Information was received from 105 centers and involved a total of 10,401 cards. It represented 35% of all pacemakers implanted during 2006. The majority of implantations (57.5%) were performed in males, and this applied to all age decades, except the 90s. The average age of patients who received a first implant was 75 years. Atrioventricular block accounted for the greatest number of electrocardiographic indications. Some 25% of patients with sinus node disease received VVI/R pacing despite remaining in sinus rhythm. In addition, 1.5% of implanted devices provided cardiac pacing for ventricular resynchronization, and did not have an associated defibrillator function. Almost all the leads used were bipolar, with only 0.6% being unipolar. In addition, 35.2% of leads were active-fixation leads, while 24.3% of generator used throughout the year were for pulse generator replacement. Some 2.4% of generator replacements were due to erosion or infection.


CONCLUSIONS
The number of pacemaker implantations and the incidence of conduction disturbance were both greater in males. Correspondingly, first implantations were carried out at a slightly younger age in males. The age decade during which the greatest number of pacemaker implantations was carried out was the 70s, followed by the 80s. Age was one of the factors that influenced the suitability of the pacing mode. In a significant percentage of patients, the pacing mode was inappropriate. The use of active-fixation electrodes continues to increase.
Coma-Samartín
Raúl
R
Sección de Estimulación Cardiaca, Sociedad Española de Cardiología, Madrid, España. coma@vitanet.nu
Martínez-Ferrer
José
J
Sancho-Tello de Carranza
María J
MJ
Ruiz-Mateas
Francisco
F
Leal Del Ojo-González
Juan
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002309:Cardiology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006327:Heart Block / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012042:Registries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012955:Societies, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013030:Spain