Indwelling Electronic Cardiac Pacemakers

Abstract

Implantable cardiac pacemakers have been inserted in 12 patients with Stokes-Adams attacks not controlled by medical therapy. The operation for insertion was well tolerated; however, three patients subsequently died, one of unrelated causes, and two of presumed arrhythmias. The nine survivors have all been greatly improved and are, in general, symptom free. Complications have included electrode failure in two patients, wound infection, diaphragmatic stimulation, and cerebrovascular accident. An electrode catheter placed in the right ventricle has been used successfully as an interim pacemaker in five of six patients. The presence of concurrent sinus and electrical pacemaking was well tolerated.