[Percutaneous approach in the use of subclavian vein in pacemaker implantation].

Background And Methods: We analyzed the complications of 1729 pacemakers implants (from October 1980 to December 1992) divided according to the way of leads insertion. The approaches from the subclavian vein was used in 1220 cases, the cephalic vein was used in 431 implants and the external jugular vein in 78.

Results: Major complications were: pocket bleeding (108 cases), pocket erosion (15 cases), infection (2 cases), lead fracture (5 cases), lead dislodgement (20 cases), pneumothorax (4 cases, only for subclavian puncture).

[Hemodynamic benefits of sequential atrioventricular pacing].

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic benefits of atrioventricular (A-V) sequential pacing. 30 pts implanted with DDD pacemakers underwent M-mode, B-mode and Doppler echocardiography. In each patient, left ventricular (LV) stroke volume was assessed by measuring the time-velocity integral of mitral inflow in the following modes and rates: VOO at 70 ppm or at the minimum stimulation rate and at 120 ppm; DOO at the same rates with different A-V delay (100, 150, 200, 250 and, whenever possible, 300 msec).