title: Atrial septal pacing in small dogs: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the feasibility of atrial septal pacing via a delivery catheter-guided small non-retracting helix pacing lead.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six healthy beagles (8.3-12.9 kg).
  
  
  METHODS
  Using single plane fluoroscopic guidance, Medtronic(®) 3830 SelectSecure leads were connected to the atrial septum via Medtronic® Attain Select® II standard 90 Left Heart delivery catheter. Pacing threshold and lead impedance were measured at implantation. The Wenckebach point was tested via atrial pacing up to 220 paced pulses per minute (ppm). Thoracic radiographs were performed following implantation to identify the lead position, and repeated at 24 h, 1 month, and 3 months post-operatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Macro-lead dislodgement occurred in two dogs at 24 h and in three dogs at one-month post-implantation. Lead impedance, measured at the time of implantation, ranged from 583 to 1421 Ω. The Wenckebach point was >220 ppm in four of the six dogs. The remaining two dogs had Wenckebach points of 120 and 190 ppm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot study suggests the selected implantation technique and lead system were inadequate for secure placement in the atrial septum of these dogs. The possible reasons for inadequate stability include unsuitable lead design for this location, inadequate lead slack at the time of implantation and inadequate seating of the lead as evidenced by low impedance at the time of implantation. Other implantation techniques and/or pacing leads should be investigated to determine the optimal way of pacing the atria in small breed dogs that are prone to sinus node dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
authors.forename: Ashley E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA. Electronic address: estradaa@ufl.edu.
authors.forename: Amara H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Estrada
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
authors.forename: Romain
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pariaut
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sosa-Samper
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
authors.forename: Andre C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Shih
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
authors.forename: Brandy D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Mincey
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
authors.forename: N Sydney
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Moïse
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D054087:Atrial Septum; D001947:Breeding; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012804:Sick Sinus Syndrome / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Artificial cardiac pacing; Cardiac physiology; Cardiology-small animal; Electrocardiography; Sinus node dysfunction