Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE
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Pacing Clin Electrophysiol · Aug 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialA randomized study on the effects of pacemaker programming to a lower output on projected pulse generator longevity.
The programmability of cardiac pacemakers enables the physician at follow-up to adjust the pacing pulse under consideration of the 100% safety margin with respect to the individual pacing threshold. The purpose of reducing the output is to prolong pacemaker longevity. The aims of this prospective, randomized trial were to compare the effects of nominal output versus a lower output on projected pacemaker longevity in single and dual chamber pacemakers. ⋯ Due to the low ventricular pacing thresholds, the 2.5-V/0.4-ms setting provided, 3 months after implantation, a > or = 100% safety margin in 99% of the patients. Programming to a lower output slightly increased projected pacemaker longevity compared to the nominal 3.5-V setting. Longevity increasedfor 5% in patients with single andfor 14% in dual chamber pulse generators.