How to test mode switching in pacemakers implanted in XXXX : the MOST study.

@entity1 @entity591 @entity956 @entity15131 @entity943
Optimal management of @entity943 with dual chamber pacemakers requires proper performance of @entity15131 ( @entity15131 ). The aim of this study was to develop a reliable technique to test the @entity15131 function by using an external electronic device capable of mimicking the occurrence of @entity943 ( @entity943 Simulator [SAS]). The SAS delivers low voltage pulse trains (200 mV, 20 ms) through two skin electrodes. Each pulse train lasts 15 seconds and starts synchronously with a pacing pulse of the implanted pacemaker to avoid interference from the operator. The pulse train rate is set at 350, 250, and 160 beats/min to simulate AF, @entity956 , and @entity591 ( @entity591 ), respectively. Thirty-five @entity1 implanted with Vitatron pacemakers, whose @entity15131 system has been previously validated, were enrolled. Atrial and ventricular sensing were programmed in unipolar mode at 0.5 mV and in bipolar mode at > 2 mV, respectively. All pulses from the SAS were detected by the atrial channel at an amplitude ranging from 1 to 3 mV. The test proved to be safe and reliable at rest and during exercise. @entity15131 occurred immediately at onset or at offset of @entity943 , and no adverse interference on pacemaker function was seen from the SAS. In conclusion, the described technique and the SAS are safe and reliable for @entity1 and pacemaker function and can be proposed as a useful method to verify proper performance of @entity15131 function irrespective of the type of implanted devices.
