Cardiac Pacing, 1960–1985

Leadless cardiac pacing

Transvenous cardiac pacemakers definitely improve quality of life and reduce mortality in at-risk patients, but they are associated with several potential device-related complications. Approximately 10% of patients experience complications related to transvenous implantation of the pacemaker. These may be attributable to either the pulse generator (hematoma, skin breakdown, pocket infection) or...

Temporary cardiac pacing.

Temporary cardiac pacing can be a life-saving manoeuvre. The indications and techniques are well established. 1 The procedure is one of the 'essential' components of the training programme in general internal medicine. This may be desirable, but is it wise nowadays? Is it achievable? The traditional indication for a temporary cardiac pacemaker is heart block; the usual venue for the procedure i...

Temporary cardiac pacing.

Cardiac pacing in children

Twenty patients aged between 12 months and 13 years underwent permanent pacemaker implantation. The main indication for pacing was post-surgical atrioventricular block. The complication rate was high and related mainly to infections and lead system problems. The use of small multiprogrammable pacemakers is expected to reduce the reoperation rate for system malfunction and elective replacement. ...

Cardiac arrhythmias and pacing.

Clinical trials. In the last two years, a number of landmark clinical trials have been published which further our understanding and clinical management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Two of the major goals in the treatment of this condition include reducing progression or recurrence of the arrhythmia and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular events, thereby improving quality of lif...