LD-PACE II: a new cardiomyostimulator for cardiac bioassist.

The LD-PACE II was designed for use in cardiomyoplasty, aortomyoplasty, and skeletal muscle ventricles. All parameters specified as programmable can be changed in a noninvasive manner (using a programming interface wand connected to a computer using the Windows 95/98 environment). Two new functions may be very useful clinically, based on experimental research.

Patients over 100 years of age with implanted cardiac pacemakers.

Ten patients of the authors' practice who have survived to be 100 years of age or more have had an implanted pacemaker for an average of 11.4 years. As the life expectancy of the country (Uruguay) is 75 years, their survival is considered to be unusual, confirming the statistical conclusion that patient survival with an implanted pacemaker may be expected to be as good or better than those who do not require a pacemaker implant.

Cardiomyoplasty review: physiological principles and characteristics of electrically stimulated skeletal muscle. II. A therapeutic option.

Chronic heart failure continues unsolved as ever despite recent advances in cardiac surgery and pharmacological new armamentarium and remains a significant cause of death, regardless of etiology. Cardiomyoplasty (CMP), a new form of biomechanical ventricular support, has given new life to the field of mechanical circulatory support, providing a "bridge" to transplantation and serving as a possible alternative to surgical treatment. The geographic distribution of world experience in 401 patients shows that 80% were centralized in Europe (50%) and South America (30%).