A universal program for fully programmable pacemakers.

Abstract

Modern pacemakers can be programmed to change their operating parameters even after implantation. The trend is towards custom microprocessor-based all digital, and fully programmable devices. In view of the present and anticipated future complexity and diversity of the pacemakers, we have developed a versatile programming technique. The program code consists of (i) one byte of check-sum or pacemaker ID., (i) one or more bytes of op-code (mode of operation), (iii) one or more bytes of operand (data or parameters), and (iv) one byte for synchronization. We examine the full range of program parameters such as the width and the rate, and all modes of operation such as asynchronous and demand. Due to the flexibility of this programming technique it is suitable for all present and possible future generations of programmable pacemakers.