Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE
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Pacing Clin Electrophysiol · Dec 1994
Case ReportsSafety of pacemaker implantation in patients with transvenous (nonthoracotomy) implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
While several reports have documented the safety of implantation of transvenous pacemakers in patients with epicardial patch-based implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), the implantation of transvenous pacemakers in patients with transvenous (nonthoracotomy) ICDs has not been well-described. We present three patients with transvenous ICDs who subsequently underwent implantation of transvenous pacemakers without complication. Technical considerations and a testing, protocol for detection of pacemaker-ICD interactions are discussed.
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Pacing Clin Electrophysiol · Nov 1994
Stimulation characteristics, complications, and efficacy of spinal cord stimulation systems in patients with refractory angina: a prospective feasibility study.
In a prospective study with a 1-year follow-up we evaluated: (1) the feasibility of a method for the adjustment of spinal cord stimulator (SCS) parameters, (2) complications of SCS, and (3) efficacy of SCS. ⋯ During a 1-year follow-up, the stimulation parameters did not change significantly in the 16 patients without lead dislocations. Our standardized method appears to be feasible for follow-up of SCS. Moreover, SCS seems to be an effective adjuvant therapy for intractable angina, despite a relatively frequent dislocation of the electrode.
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Pacing Clin Electrophysiol · Nov 1994
Comparative StudyEarly complications after dual chamber versus single chamber pacemaker implantation.
This study was performed to compare the frequency of early complications after single chamber versus dual chamber permanent pacemaker implantation. Early complication was defined as one occurring in the 6-week period following implantation. We prospectively analyzed consecutive pacemaker implantation from January 1987 to June 1993 at our regional center. ⋯ In both groups the subclavian approach was associated with a risk of pneumothorax when compared to the cephalic approach. The rate of wound infection was higher in patients who had a temporary pacing wire in place. The use of prophylactic antibiotics does not appear to affect the incidence of wound infection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Pacing Clin Electrophysiol · Aug 1994
Case ReportsThe use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of recurrent syncope due to carotid sinus hypersensitivity unresponsive to dual chamber cardiac pacing.
Carotid sinus hypersensitivity can be a cause of recurrent unexplained syncope in the older patient. Dual chamber cardiac pacing may relieve the bradycardia, but may not affect the vasodilatory component of this disorder. ⋯ Both patients were treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors and after 4-6 weeks of therapy had complete resolution of symptoms. We conclude that serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be useful in the treatment of recurrent syncope due to carotid sinus hypersensitivity resistant to dual chamber cardiac pacing.
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Pacing Clin Electrophysiol · Aug 1994
Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors.
This study examined diagnostic and therapeutic roles of electrophysiological testing and long-term clinical outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. This is defined as ventricular fibrillation occurring in the absence of detectable underlying heart disease or metabolic or electrolyte disturbance. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resulting from idiopathic ventricular fibrillation is uncommon. ⋯ Two of the four patients without inducible sustained ventricular arrhythmias had events during follow-up. Of the two patients with inducible ventricular fibrillation, one experienced a cardiac arrest and documented ventricular fibrillation at 41 months after the index event and the other had had no recurrence at 15-month follow-up. All four patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators were alive at last follow-up, and two had device discharges.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)