Biomedical subjects

T Meinertz

Publications and source records attributed to T Meinertz.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Present day pacemakers for pulse generator exchange: is 3.5 V a sufficient nominal setting for the pulse amplitude? Thera Pacemaker Study Group.

Projected pacemaker longevity is calculated according to the nominal setting, which is 3.5 V for pulse amplitude in most present day pacemakers. The aim of this study was to test whether the nominal ventricular output setting of 3.5 V and 0.4 ms provides a 100% safety margin if these pacemakers are connected to implanted ventricular pacing leads. The study included 24 patients undergoing pulse generator exchange. The new pacemaker was either a Thera DR (n = 21) or Thera SR (n = 3) device. Ventricular pacing leads were implanted 70 +/- 38 months previously. Intraoperative measurements included pacing threshold at 0.5-ms pulse duration, impedance, and R wave amplitude. To achieve a 100% safety margin with 3.5 V, the cut-off pacing threshold is 1.7 V. At discharge it was assessed whether ventricular pulse amplitude remained at < or = 3.5 V or was programmed to > 3.5 V. At pulse generator exchange, pacing threshold was 1.2 +/- 0.5 V, including four patients with pacing thresholds > 1.7 V. Impedance was 587 +/- 189 omega and R wave amplitude was 12.8 +/- 4.8 mV. At discharge, ventricular pulse amplitude remained at the nominal setting in 13 patients, including 2 patients with high pacing thresholds at pacemaker exchange, and was programmed to < 3.5 V in 7 patients. Ventricular pulse amplitude was programmed to > 3.5 V in four patients. Two of these patients had high pacing thresholds (> 1.7 V/0.5 ms) at pulse generator exchange; the other two patients were programmed to > 3.5 V, although 3.5 V already provided a 100% safety margin. After pulse generator exchange, 92% of the patients could be paced with a 3.5-V pulse amplitude. Pacemakers were programmed in four patients > 3.5 V, but in only two of them to obtain a sufficient safety margin. High pacing thresholds at pulse generator exchange did not generally predict high pacing thresholds at discharge.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Programmable polarity: effects on pacing and sensing of bipolar steroid-eluting leads.

Presently available bipolar pacemakers connected to bipolar leads allow the programming of polarity to either bipolar or unipolar configuration. The bipolar configuration improves sensing because of its lack of oversensing. In respect to the pacing impulse, it may be beneficial to program the bipolar to unipolar configuration, because the unipolar pacing configuration seems to lead to lower pacing thresholds. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of the two configurations on pacing and sensing in 11 patients with a new ventricular steroid-eluting lead (Encor Dec 033-301, Telectronics Inc.) connected to the same types of VVI(R) pacemakers. Follow-up was 12 months after implantation. Pacing was assessed by pulse duration thresholds at 0.8- 1.6-, and 2.5-V pulse amplitude and by pacing impedance. Parameters for sensing included sensing thresholds, R wave amplitudes, and amplitude of intrinsic deflection. Pulse duration thresholds were similar for the two configurations. At implantation, pacing impedance was significantly higher with bipolar (672 +/- 60 omega) than with unipolar pacing configuration (626 +/- 82 omega, P < 0.005). The difference lasted until 1 month after implantation (bipolar: 670 +/- 49 omega; unipolar: 63053 omega, P < 0.01). No significant differences were detected after 3 (bipolar: 683 +/- 63 omega; unipolar: 662 +/- 70 omega) and 12 months (bipolar: 658 +/- 64 omega; unipolar: 660 +/- 63 omega) between the 2 configurations. Although intrinsic deflections of ventricular electrograms were different, mean R wave amplitudes were similar in unipolar and bipolar configuration. Pacing and sensing characteristics of unipolar and bipolar configuration were similar for the studied bipolar pacing lead. Pacing impedance was initially higher for bipolar than for unipolar configuration and equilibrated within 3 months after implantation.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Reliability and variability of impedance measured by real-time telemetry.

UNLABELLED: With the aim to detect dysfunction of pacing leads, most present-day pacemakers measure pacing impedance by means of real-time telemetry. The recommended setting for impedance measurement is 5.0 V for pulse amplitude and 0.5 ms for pulse duration. Availability of reliable settings would facilitate impedance measurements during follow-up. The purpose of the present study was twofold: (1) to assess whether telemetrically measured impedance of the studied pacemaker is similar to impedance measured at implantation; and (2) to evaluate whether the pacemaker setting influences telemetrically measured impedance. Sixty-five consecutive patients receiving VVI(R) pacemakers were studied; in all patients, impedance measured at implantation by a pacing system analyzer was compared to measurements obtained telemetrically within 1 day after implantation. In 44 other patients, impedance was determined 3 months after implantation at 60 and 120 ppm (n = 44), twice at 60 ppm (n = 42), and 12 months after implantation at 60 ppm (n = 34). For each measurement, pulse amplitude was programmed to 0.8, 1.6, 2.5, 5.0, and 8.0 V, and pulse duration to 0.05, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 ms. Impedance at implantation (606 +/- 113 ohms) did not differ from the data obtained with telemetry (629 +/- 113 ohms; P = NS). Different pacing rates, repeat measurements, and follow-up time failed to show any influence on impedance. Measurement tolerance was < 10% for 15 of 19 studied settings other than 5.0 V and 0.5 ms. CONCLUSION: The studied pacemakers provide reliable data for telemetrically measured impedance. Telemetrical impedance does not necessarily have to be measured at 5.0 V and 0.5 ms. These findings should be considered for measurement and interpretation of real-time telemetry impedance during follow-up.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

-New aspects in antithrombotic therapy--platelet inhibitors-.

The aim of platelet inhibitory therapy in cardiology is to prevent undesired thrombus formation and, thus, to prevent complications of cardiovascular diseases. In Germany, 5 substances are approved for antiplatelet therapy. Acetylsalicylic acid, an inhibitor of platelet cyclooxygenase, has been shown to be effective at both high and low doses in the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease. In addition, acetylsalicylic acid is effective in reducing the complications of unstable angina pectoris and coronary angioplasty, and in reducing the occlusion rate of aortocoronary bypass grafts. The addition of dipyridamole to acetylsalicylic acid has not been shown to result in any additional benefit in many clinical studies. Ticlopidine, an antagonist of ADP-induced platelet aggregation has been similarly effective as acetylsalicylic acid in the treatment of coronary heart disease. The principal side effect of the drug, the occurrence of neutropenia in about 1% of treated patients, makes regular blood cell counts mandatory during treatment. In the secondary prevention of cerebrovascular disease, the drug may be superior to acetylsalicylic acid. Trapidil is an anti-platelet substance which acts on platelets through various mechanisms including inhibition of the release of "platelet derived growth factor". In 3 smaller randomized studies, trapidil has been found to reduce the restenosis rate after coronary angioplasty. Abciximab, the Fab-fragment of an antibody against the platelet fibrinogen receptor glycoprotein 11b/IIIa has been shown to be effective in the prevention of acute and long-term complications of high-risk coronary angioplasty.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

PubMed1996

Intravenous coronary angiography with dichromography using synchrotron radiation.

Dichromography represents a digital subtraction angiography mode based on energy substraction which allows imaging of fast moving subjects like the heart. For logarithmic subtraction 2 images with X-rays just below and above the iodine K-edge (33.17 keV) are simultaneously obtained in a line scan mode. Monochromatic X-rays of sufficient intensity to visualize coronary arteries of 1 mm diameter with extremely low iodine concentrations (1 mg/cm2) after venous injection is only provided by synchrotron radiation. The system NIKOS (non-invasive coronary arteriography with synchrotron radiation) at the Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY) consists of 6 components: a wiggler, a monochromator, a safety system, a scanning device, a detector and a computer system. After experimental studies in dogs patients are imaged since 1990. Initial results demonstrate feasibility and safety of synchrotron radiation coronary angiography. Large scale studies are designed to further evaluate sensitivity and specificity. When compact synchrotron radiation sources become available, this technique could be used for follow-up studies and for evaluation of certain high coronary risk populations.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

PubMed1996

[Intermittent atrial fibrillation/flutter: contraindication for implantation of a dual chamber pacemaker?].

UNLABELLED: The programming of dualchamber pacemakers to DDD(R) mode is not recommended in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter, because the pacemaker detects atrial fibrillation/flutter and paces the ventricle up to the pacemaker's upper tracking rate. Some newer pacemakers have the feature to switch automatically from DDD(R) to DDIR mode at the onset of atrial tachyarrhythmias. The aim of the study was to assess how many patients who received such a new DDDR pacemaker with automatic mode switch can be programmed to DDD(R) mode during follow-up. The dual-chamber pacemaker Thera DR (Medtronic) was implanted for clinical evaluation in 142 patients (65 +/- 16 years, male n = 86; female n = 56). Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter was present in 54 patients, with an additional 2nd or 3rd degree AV-block in 13 and no high-degree AV block in 22 cases; an AV node ablation was performed in 19 patients. Pacemakers were programmed to DDD(R) mode at discharge in 52 of 53, at month 1 in 44 of 46, and at month 3 in 28 of 30 cases. In respect to the programming to DDD(R) mode there were no statistically significant differences to patients without paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter. CONCLUSION: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter was present in 38% of the studied patients. During follow up more than 90% of the patients were paced in the DDD(R) mode.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

[Comparison of active and passive fixation of steroid emitting atrial electrodes].

UNLABELLED: Steroid-eluting screw-in leads (CapSure Fix 4068, Medtronic; n = 14) were compared to the same lead as a J-shaped tined electrode (CapSure SP 4524, Medtronic; n = 27, implanted in the atrium in patients receiving dual-chamber pacemakers. Follow-up were at discharge and after 1 month. Implantation (screw-in lead: 84 +/- 18 min; tined lead: 81 +/-29 min) and fluoroscopy times (screw-in lead: 7.3 +/- 4.9 min; tined lead 9.2 +/- 7.0 min) were similar in the two groups. At implant, P-wave amplitudes were similar with 4.8 +/- 1.6 mV (screw-in lead) and 4.0 +/- 2.6 mV (tinted lead), respectively. Compared to tined leads, the screw-in leads had higher pacing thresholds at 0.5 ms pulse duration (screw-in lead: 0.74 +/- 0.32 V; tined lead: 0.55 +/- 0.15 V; p = 0.02) as well as higher impedance (screw-in lead: 566 +/- 93 ohms; tined lead: 470 +/- 99 ohms; p = 0.01). Pulse duration thresholds at 2.5 V pulse amplitude were neither different at discharge (screw-in lead: 0.07 +/- 0.04 ms; tined lead: 0.06 +/- 0.05 ms) nor after 1 month (screw-in lead: 0.09 +/- 0.04 ms; tined lead: 0.06 +/- 0.06 ms). P-wave amplitudes > or = mV were observed at discharge in 14/14 (screw-in lead) 21/27 patients (tined lead), respectively, and after 1 month in 13/14 (screw-in lead) and 22/27 (tined lead) patients, respectively. Impedance of the screw-in lead was significantly higher with 693 +/- 84 ohms at discharge and 691 +/- 79 ohms after 1 month compared to the tined lead with 520 +/- 81 and 574 +/- 62 ohms (p = 0.001). No lead dislodgment was reported during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: For the studied steroid-eluting leads active and passive fixation had neither at implantation nor during 1-month follow up any influence on P-wave amplitude. At similar pulse duration thresholds, impedance of the screw-in lead was significantly higher than for the tined lead. Higher impedance additionally reduces pacing current, if similar pacing impulses are delivered.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed1996

[Diastolic left ventricular dysfunction with microvascular angina (Syndrome X)].

Findings on left ventricular function in microvascular angina (syndrome X) are somewhat controversial. Recently, an increased prevalence of insulin resistance and hyperlipoproteinemia has been demonstrated as well as arterial hypertension potentially impairing the left ventricular diastolic function. In an attempt to analyze the diastolic function at rest, we investigated by Doppler echocardiography the transmitral blood flow in 16 patients (51 +/- 8 years). The diastolic data were compared with those of 12 healthy people (50 +/- 6 years) who were matched for age. The patients with microvascular angina revealed a slightly higher systolic blood pressure (134 +/- 18 mm Hg vs 125 +/- 9 mm Hg, n.s.), but imposed by higher left ventricular mass index (92 +/- 18 g/m2 vs 65 +/- 13 g/m2, p < 0.001). There was a trend to an elevated A-wave-peak during transmitral blood flow (61 +/- 14 cm/s vs 50 +/- 9 cm/s). The findings suggest impairment of the left ventricular relaxation before manifestation of left ventricular hypertrophy and hypertension takes place.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Tantalum stents induce expression of GMP140 and GP53 on platelets after contact in an in vitro model.

Endovascular implantation of stents has become increasingly important to reduce acute complications and restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Nevertheless, the risk of stent related thrombosis still appears to be a limitation in this therapeutic approach. As platelets play a major role in thrombus formation, we examined platelets in an in vitro model by flow cytometry to assess the expression of activation-dependent epitopes caused by shear stress and contact to artificial surfaces of stents. Tantalum wire stents (n = 12) were placed in one of two parallel silicon tubing systems. Both systems were filled with citrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) of healthy and drug-free volunteers. After recalcification, aliquots of PRP were drawn via a three-way faucet over a course of 10 min. For flow cytometric analysis monoclonal antibodies CD41a, CD42b, CD62p and CD63 were applied. Within 2 min after onset, the expression of CD62p (GMP140) and CD63 (GP53) increased in the tubing system with the stent. Over the course of 10 min, platelet activation progressively increased (CD62p p < 0.05 vs. control system without stent; CD63 p < 0.005 vs. control). Antigens CD41 a and CD42b did not show significant changes in both systems. Artificial surfaces and shear forces of stent meshes may contribute to the activation of platelets, thereby promoting the thrombotic potential. As an utmost sensitive diagnostic tool, flow cytometry may attribute to further improvement of material and design of stents.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

PubMed1996

[Individual archiving of digital angiocardiograms].

CD-R will be introduced internationally as a standardized individual archive and exchange medium allowing individual solutions for long-term archiving in a catheterization laboratory. The concept of digital archiving on two CD-R includes a long-term primary basic archive and a secondary one edited by intelligent (medical) data reduction (IDR). The basic archive is automatically composed by a background process consisting of unprocessed images or image series and is fundamental for further transfers, storage, presentations and additional studies. The digital working archive comprises a set of images and image series edited by IDR, as well as the results of morphometric studies as well as identification and documentation data. IDR is based upon the elimination of useless and redundant images series, documentation of coronary interventions on one single representative image and on the reduction of relevant images series and physiological data into an ECG-controlled representative cardiac cycle. IDR edits a redundancy-free set of 130 images (diagnostic study) or only 85 images of an interventional study. Two cardiologists and two cardiosurgeons independently studied 24 IDR-edited angiograms and the corresponding unedited digital angiograms and found no significant differences in the diagnostically relevant coronary morphology and left ventricular function. This study shows that an edited angiogram may not only serve for digital archiving but also form the basis for further evaluation or copies.

Angiocardiography↗

PubMed1996

[Initial clinical and angiographic results with the AVE Micro-Stent].

UNLABELLED: The AVE Micro Stent is a flexible stent with a small surface. Aim of this study was to investigate safety and efficacy of this stent. 105 AVE Micro Stents were deployed in 78 lesions in 64 patients. The implantation was performed electively (19%), after unsatisfactory PTCA (59%), and as "bailout" (23%) into left main (1), LAD (23), LCX (15), RCA (19) or CABG (6). Minimal lumen diameter and percent diameter stenosis were measured by quantitative coronary angiography before and after interventions and, in 21 patients, after 3 months. Stent-implantation was successful in 62 of 64 patients. The passage of the AVE Micro Stents through deployed stents (46) was successful in all of 28 cases. There were no deaths or myocardial infarctions. In two patients, subacute thromboses with subsequent increase of CK occurred, which were successfully treated. The minimal lumen diameter was 0.77 +/- 0.62 mm before intervention, 2.98 +/- 0.48 mm after implantation (p < 0.001), and 2.03 +/- 1.21 after 3 months (p < 0.001). The percent diameter stenosis was 75 +/- 20% before intervention, 39 +/- 20% after PTCA and 0 +/- 12% after implantation (p < 0.001). After 3 months, six of 21 patients (29%) with follow-up angiography had a restenosis, defined as > 50% diameter stenosis compared with the reference vessel. CONCLUSIONS: 1) The AVE Micro Stent is a flexible stent, which can be safely and efficiently deployed even through implanted stents. 2) The AVE Micro Stent appears to be particularly suitable for "bailout" therapy of dissections. 3) The rate of subacute thrombosis was low with this stent.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Thrombus age as a determinant of lysis efficacy of in vitro produced platelet-fibrin thrombi].

Thrombus age as a determinant of lysis efficacy has rarely been investigated. We developed an in vitro model to study the lysis of collagen induced platelet-fibrin-thrombi of different ages. Histologically, the thrombi were similar to those found in coronary vessels of patients deceased from acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina. After 10 (TA10), 30(TA30) und 60 (TA60) min of thrombus aging thrombolysis over 30 min with urokinase alone or in combination with prostaglandin E1 was started. The efficacy of lysis with urokinase alone decreased with increasing thrombus age. After 30 min of lysis with urokinase alone weight of TA10-thrombi was reduced by 16.4 +/- 1.2 mg, of TA30-thrombi by 11.5 +/- 0.9 mg (p < 0.001 vs TA10-thrombi) and of TA60-thrombi by 7.8 +/- 1.1 mg (p < 0.001 vs TA30, p < 0.0001 vs TA10-thrombi). The addition of prostaglandin Ei augmented lysis of TA10-thrombi, after 30 min of lysis thrombus weight was reduced by 17.3 +/- 1.2 mg (p < 0.01 vs urokinase alone). Lysis of 30 and 60 min old thrombi was nearly unaffected. Thus, thrombus age is a strong predictor of lysis efficacy of in vitro collagen induced platelet-fibrin-thrombi.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Interventional coronary revascularization in a patient with chronic dissection of the ascending aorta].

In a 74-year-old patient who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting 8 years earlier, angiography was performed for recent onset of angina pectoris. Surprisingly, angiography revealed chronic dissection of the ascending aortic vessel with occlusion of a saphenous vein graft and partial thrombosis of the false lumen. Additionally, there was significant progression of coronary artery disease with new stenoses in both the ostium and body of the saphenous vein graft to the right coronary artery and a high grade left main coronary artery stenosis. Because any surgical intervention was refused by the patient, an interventional therapeutic strategy with percutaneous transluminal dilatation and stenting of both the bypass graft and the left main coronary artery was planned and successfully performed. This is the first report of a complex intervention and revascularization procedure carried out in a patient with type A aortic dissection. Thus, selected cases of chronic type A dissection my be amenable to interventional coronary revascularization in acute coronary syndromes.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

[Magnesium: current studies--critical evaluation--consequences].

The therapeutic efficacy of magnesium has been studied during recent years in a number of cardiovascular diseases: supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias (multifocal atrial tachycardia, Torsade de pointes-tachycardia, glycoside-associated arrhythmias, sustained ventricular tachycardia), acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and arterial hypertension. Although only a few of these arrhythmias were studied under controlled conditions, the therapeutic efficacy of intravenous magnesium given in a high dose in these arrhythmias seems to be established. By contrary, the efficacy of magnesium in acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and arterial hypertension remains controversial up to now. Magnesium cannot be regarded as standard therapy for example for patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Anti-Arrhythmia Agents↗

PubMed1995

[Preliminary clinical results with intracoronary ultrasound angioplasty].

UNLABELLED: BASIS AND AIM OF STUDY: Low-frequency, high-intensity ultrasound has been shown, both in vivo and in vitro, selectively to remove arteriosclerotic plaques and thrombi. This study was undertaken to investigate the safety and effectiveness of intracoronary ultrasound angioplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ultrasound coronary angioplasty (UCA) with highly flexible ultrasound catheters (1.2 mm or 1.7 mm probe tip) was performed in 50 patients (36 men, 14 women; mean age 64.7 [33-79] years) with coronary heart disease involving one (n = 26 or several (n = 24) vessels. Indications for treatment were exercise-induced (n = 35) or unstable (n = 14) angina or acute myocardial infarction (n = 11). Treated lesions were in the anterior interventricular branch (n = 25), circumflex branch of the left coronary artery (n = 3) and right coronary artery (n = 22). 19 vessels were occluded, 24 lesions were partially thrombosed, 19 were calcified. 22 stenoses were longer than 20 mm. According to AHA/ACC criteria, 10 type A, 17 type B1, 6 type B2 and 17 type C lesions were treated. RESULTS: Total ultrasound time was 336 +/- 308 s; mean passing time through the stenosis was 233 +/- 289 (10-556) s. 17 of 19 occlusions were recanalised after 285 +/- 224 s. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTCA) was subsequently performed in 49 patients. The mean stenosis grade was reduced by UCA from initially 82 +/- 3 to 64 +/- 2% and by subsequent PTCA to 38 +/- 1%. Average flow grade rose from 1.5 to 1.9 after UCA and to 2.8 after PTCA. No vasospasm, atrioventricular block or perforation was caused by UCA. Angiography demonstrated dissection after PTCA in seven patients, treated in two with a stent. Both UCA and PTCA failed to achieve recanalization in one patient with a thrombotic occluded coronary artery after acute myocardial infarction. In all other patients there were no complications. CONCLUSION: The results show UCA to be a safe method for removing high-degree coronary artery stenosis or recanalize thrombotic occlusions.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Efficacy and safety of d-sotalol, a pure class III antiarrhythmic compound, in patients with symptomatic complex ventricular ectopy. Results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-finding study. The d-Sotalol PVC Study Group.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing interest in pure class III antiarrhythmic compounds, ie, drugs in which the electrophysiological effect is confined to the propensity for producing an isolated lengthening of action potential duration. d-Sotalol represents the prototype of such pure class III agents. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized dose-finding study evaluated the antiarrhythmic efficacy and safety of d-sotalol in patients with symptomatic chronic ventricular ectopy. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 233 patients presenting with > or = 30 premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) per hour during drug-free Holter monitoring randomly received placebo or d-sotalol at dosages of 50, 100, or 200 mg BID. Drug efficacy was assessed by repeat Holter monitoring at the end of double-blind therapy. There was a dose-dependent increase in QT and QTc duration, indicating class III activity. A dose-related decrease in hourly PVC counts was observed, reaching statistical significance for patients receiving 200 mg d-sotalol BID (311 PVCs/h during baseline compared with 135 PVCs/h during active treatment, P < .05). Analysis of the primary efficacy criterion (ie, > or = 75% reduction in total PVCs/h) revealed a significant treatment effect only for the highest d-sotalol dose, with 8 patients (14%) meeting this criterion. Eighteen patients reported side effects, which led to drug discontinuation in 5. One sudden death and one nonfatal cardiac arrest occurred in patients with dilative cardiomyopathy receiving 200 mg d-sotalol BID. No incidence of torsade de pointes was reported. CONCLUSIONS: d-Sotalol exerts dose-dependent class III activity in patients with symptomatic ventricular ectopy. Its PVC-suppressing activity is modest and becomes evident predominantly at dosages of 200 mg administered BID. The observation of drug-associated serious adverse arrhythmic events emphasizes the need for individualized careful dose titration, particularly in patients with advanced organic heart disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

[Do steroid-eluting pacemaker electrodes permit programming at lower pacemaker pulse amplitudes?].

A study was undertaken on 107 patients (68 men, 39 women; mean age 68 [29-100] years) with steroid-eluting ventricular electrodes to determine whether in general these electrodes make it possible routinely to set pacemaker impulses at 2.5 V instead of 5.0 V with an impulse duration of 0.5 ms. 3-12 months after implantation, impulse duration thresholds were 0.27 +/- 0.20 ms at 0.8 V, 0.13 +/- 0.09 ms at 1.6 V and 0.08 +/- 0.05 ms at 2.5 V impulse amplitude. Thus, employing a 100% margin of safety, it was possible to set the pacemakers of 103 among the 107 patients at 2.5 V and 0.5 ms. In four patients it was not possible to achieve the 2.5 V and 0.5 ms setting. With one exception (stimulation threshold rose immediately after a current accident) no circumstances arose under which thresholds increased. These results demonstrate that, using steroid-eluting electrodes, ventricles can be reliably stimulated with 2.5 V and 0.5 ms in 96% of patients. However, since it is not possible in all patients, optimal stimulation parameters must be determined in each patient even when steroid-eluting electrodes have been implanted.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Ventricular tachyarrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, and sudden cardiac death in patients with hypertensive heart disease.

Hypertensive heart disease is increasingly considered to be a strong and independent risk factor for sudden cardiac death. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias in these patients are common and mainly the result of electrophysiologic abnormalities and increased electrical vulnerability of the hypertrophic myocardium. However, proarrhythmia in the hypertrophic heart often is facilitated and aggravated by electrolyte disturbances, the sympathoadrenergic tone, transient blood pressure crisis, and especially by the occurrence of myocardial ischemia. Myocardial ischemia in the setting of hypertensive heart disease may result from stenotic lesions in large and/or small coronary artery vessels and, in the absence of both, will result from the altered cellular oxygen supply and consumption in the hypertrophic myocardium. Recent studies have shown that acute and transient myocardial ischemia are common in many hypertensives, often fail to be symptomatic, and that the dynamic interaction of left ventricular hypertrophy, transient myocardial ischemia, and ventricular tachyarrhythmias may provide a crucial link for the high incidence of sudden cardiac death in patients with hypertensive heart disease.

Antihypertensive Agents↗