Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE
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Pacing Clin Electrophysiol · Nov 1992
Complications of single lead VDD pacing in 35 patients with AV block.
The implantation of a VDD system is comparable to that of a VVI system, but its management is associated with typical complications of dual chamber pacing. In 35 patients with symptomatic AV block and normal sinus node function, two different VDD pacing systems were implanted. Most of the complications described and their mode of resolution were common to VDD and DDD pacing; however, the VDD system eliminated the need for two separate leads. We, therefore, favor single lead VDD pacing in the treatment of complete AV block with normal sinus node function.
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Pacing Clin Electrophysiol · Nov 1992
Survival after a first episode of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation.
Recent outcome analyses in ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) have included patients undergoing electrophysiological study (EPS) at tertiary care centers. The selection process involved could introduce bias in the reported populations. We analyzed the outcome of 42 consecutive patients (aged 63 +/- 11 years) admitted to a coronary care unit within 48 hours of a first episode of VT/VF not associated with reversible causes. ⋯ Mortality after a first episode of VT/VF is high. Severe congestive heart failure is the most powerful prognostic factor. Studies including successfully referred patients undergoing EPS may not reflect the true natural history of patients with VT/VF.