Experimental Experience With a Micromodule Pacemaker Receiver Sutured Directly to the Left Ventricle

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that it is possible to transmit sufficient energy to pace a heart by means of inductive coupling between an external coil and a very small pacemaker receiver attached directly to the left ventricle. By the use of such a method in dogs, it has been found that the energy requirements for pacing are not dependent upon the total duration of pacing, but rather depend upon the tissue reaction occurring around the electrodes or pins. Electrode erosion, on the other hand, is related to the pacing process and dependent upon electrode material. The operative implantation of this module is simpler than the other systems presently employed. However, the selection of suitable persons for wearing this unit has not been determined.