[Continuous bipolar electrostimulation of the heart].

The analysis of the data available in the literature has shown that bipolar pacing systems are promising. The paper indicates that the first samples of a Soviet bipolar electrode have been made and tested in the laboratory setting. It also raises whether it is necessary to design bipolar pacemakers.

[Optimization of the shape of implantable electrocardiostimulators].

The deficiencies of current electrocardiostimulation equipment are being discussed on the basis of analysis of cases with the device implantation. The authors propose changing the shape of the electrocardiostimulator so, that the frame of the device were surrounded by soft tissue.

[Various methods of the practical evaluation of functional possibilities of implanted synchronous cardiostimulators].

Some clinical device for the assessment of the sensitivity of the implanted demand-type cardiostimulator to bioelectric potentials are described. A relationship is demonstrated between the perception of bioelectric noise (muscular potentials) and sensitivity of the cardiostimulator.

[Structure of the tissue adjacent to the electrode in the case of an extremely low threshold of cardial electrostimulation].

The authors present the data of the histological structure of the dog heart tissue adjacent to the electrode tip following a ten-month period of electrical stimulation by means of an implanted graphited porous endocardial electrode and a pacemaker of the alternating polarity. The reason for performing such an histological investigation was an extremely low chronic threshold of heart electrostimulation, amounting to 0.35 V with the stimulus duration 1 ms.

[Diagnostic and practical significance of the frequency changes in the electrical impulses of implanted pacemakers].

The data on 1050 patients with implanted electric pace-makers are summarized, and the diagnostic and practical value of changes in the frequency of pulses they generate is discussed.

[Decrease in the electrostimulation threshold of the heart by saturating the electrode with glucocorticoids].

A pacing electrode with a porous surface saturated with glucocorticoids has been designed in order to diminish the pacing threshold of the heart. The data obtained in animal studies show that saturation of the electrode with dexamethasone before implantation significantly reduces the pacing threshold.

[Classification of implantable electrodes intended for constant electrostimulation of the heart].

The analysis is given of the currently used classifications for implantable electrodes with special reference to their disadvantages. Since manufacturers produce a great variety of electrode models with the intrinsic codes, certain difficulties are involved when decoding. So, the new, unique seven-alphabetic coding is proposed that may find extensive application.

[Electrostimulation of the interatrial septum].

The first clinical experience of the successful application of electrostimulation of the atrial septum is described. Sickle-shaped electrodes were used for this purpose. Electrostimulation of the atrial septum was medically indicated in all cases.

[Optimization of the geometric shape and contact surface area of endocardial electrodes].

Endocardial electrodes of original construction are described: with polyhedral head, with split contact head and crescent-shaped one. These electrodes proved to be more efficient than that with spherical or cylindrical contact head with equal contact area. The crescent-shaped electrode underwent clinical trial on 63 patients.