Novel pacing algorithms: do they represent a beneficial proposition for patients, physicians, and the health care system?
Modern pacemakers are enriched with several embedded algorithms, aiming at achieving a more "physiological" pacing, at reducing pacing-related costs and at maximizing the physician's and the patient's convenience. Though some of these algorithms offer proven benefits, the efficacy of others is still under serious dispute. Herein are presented some of the most important algorithms integrated in modern pacemakers, together with an overview of the currently available literature concerning their efficacy and safety, as well as their impact on the economics of health care systems.
Simantirakis
Emmanuel N
EN
Cardiology Department, University Hospital Of Heraklion, PO Box 1352, Stavrakia, Heraklion, Crete 711 10, Greece.
Arkolaki
Eva G
EG
Vardas
Panos E
PE
D000465:Algorithms; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000379:methods*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*