Zeitschrift für Kardiologie
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In a prospective, non-randomised study, two atrial steroid-eluting screw-in leads were evaluated (CapSureFix 4068, Medtronic, n = 17; Accufix II DEC 033-812, Telectronics, n = 16); in the same way, measurements were obtained of three steroid eluting ventricular electrodes (two screw-in leads: CapSureFix 4068, Medtronic, n = 11; Accufix II DEC 033-212, Telectronics, n = 20 and one tined lead Encor DEC 033-448, Telectronics, n = 18). Measurements were performed during implantation (= acute), 7 +/- 3 days after implantation (= subacute) and during follow-up at 3 and 6 months. After atrial implantation, there were no significant differences of the stimulation thresholds (Accufix II DEC: 0.76 +/- 0.23 V-CapSureFix: 0.75 +/- 0.16 V). ⋯ In summary, the dexamethasone depots prevented the rise of the stimulation threshold in all the atrial electrodes with active fixation. There remained a small increase of the stimulation threshold after ventricular implantation, which did not reach clinical significance. Thus, the energy saving output of 2.5 volt could be programmed in almost every patient.