Pacemaker longevity: are we getting what we are promised?

Background: Although pacemaker manufacturers provide projections on longevity, these projections cannot be relied upon due to the assumptions of output parameters being far in excess of those programmed in clinical practice.

Objective: The purpose of this review was to compare the actual longevity to the calculated longevity of pacemakers based on battery cell characteristics taking into account individual programmed parameters, mode, degree of usage, and percent pacing. This was also compared to the manufacturers' own projected longevities.

Cardiac pacing device therapy for atrial dysrhythmias: how does it work?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common dysrhythmia in North America. Paroxysmal or persistent AF affects an estimated 2.8 million individuals, causes significant morbidity, and is associated with 1 billion dollars in healthcare costs each year in the United States.

Evaluation of the appropriateness of pacemaker mode selection in bradycardia pacing: how closely are the ACC/AHA guidelines followed?

Although guidelines for selection of the appropriate pacing mode have been published, little data is available on how closely these are followed in the clinical setting. All 738 patients (men 412, women 326; age 73.4 +/- 0.

Postpacemaker implant pericarditis: incidence and outcomes with active-fixation leads.

Pericarditis has been noted as a potential complication of pacemaker implantation. This study evaluated the risk of developing pericarditis following pacemaker implantation with active-fixation atrial leads. Included were 1,021 consecutive patients (mean age 73.