[Subclavian vein puncture as a primary approach for pacemaker lead implantation].

In the beginning of transvenous pacemaker therapy, the external or alternatively internal jugular vein was commonly used for lead implantation. Due to frequent long-term complications both approaches are nowadays obsolete. In most pacemaker centers implantation via the cephalic vein has become standard.

[A simple method for AV-delay determination in dual chamber pacemakers].

The individual adjustment of the AV intervals is a prerequisite for the hemodynamic advantages of dual-chamber pacing. The methods for the optimization of the AV-Delay (AVD) applied so far are time intensive. A simple and fast method is the approximate adjustment of the AVD with the surface-ECG.

Determinants of dual chamber pulse generators longevity.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of battery capacity, internal current drain, and stimulation energy on pulse generators longevity, and if battery impedance measurements can reliably predict pulse generators end-of-life. For this purpose, the records of 577 patients with a mean age of 65 +/- 14 years who had undergone implantation of two different dual chamber pulse generators (PG1: 409; PG2: 168) were retrospectively reviewed. Battery capacity were 2.

[Progressive left ventricular dilatation following anterior myocardial infarct as a determinant for the development of heart failure].

35 consecutive patients were studied prospectively with respect to echocardiographic left ventricular size after anterior myocardial infarction. In 25 patients sufficient follow-up was possible. Another 57 patients and volunteers were examined to prove accuracy in comparison to angiocardiography and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and reproducibility as well as to define normal values.