Improved epimyocardial pacing: initial experience with a new bipolar, steroid-eluting, high impedance lead design.

Epicardial pacing typically is associated with decreased pacing and sensing capabilities compared with the endocardial approach. Since endocardial pacing is neither appropriate nor possible in all instances, this study was conducted to evaluate a new concept in a chronic epimyocardial lead design in six 3-month-old growing dogs. The new bifurcated lead (Medtronic model 10401) is a low current drain, high impedance, steroid-eluting, bipolar design.