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Incidence and Timing of Activity Parameter Changes in Activity Responsive Pacing Systems
Author(s) -
AHERN THOMAS,
NYDEGGER CHARLES,
McCORMICK DANIEL J.,
MAQUILAN MARCH,
SCHUSTER MELINDA,
KUTALEK STEVEN P.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
pacing and clinical electrophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.686
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1540-8159
pISSN - 0147-8389
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-8159.1992.tb06843.x
Subject(s) - medicine , incidence (geometry) , cardiology , optics , physics
AHERN, T., et al .: Incidence and Timing of Activity Parameter Changes in Activity Responsive Pacing Systems. The incidence and timing of rate response parameter reprogramming in activity responsive pacing systems during the year after implantation was evaluated in two groups of patients: 24 patients in whom a VVI, R system was implanted (Activitrax, Medtronic, Inc.), and 21 patients in whom a DDD, R system was implanted (Synchrony, Siemens Pacesetter, Inc.). Activity parameter changes in Activitrax patients were made based on the presence of symptoms, while in Synchrony patients, changes were based on objective data obtained using a sensor indicated rate histogram with a slow and fast walk protocol. No significant difference in the incidence of activity parameter reprogramming was noted at various time intervals during the first year in Activitrax patients; in Synchrony patients a greater incidence of reprogramming changes was noted at the 1‐month follow‐up visit compared to later follow‐up visits (P < 0.02). Further, the incidence of changes at 1 month was greater for Synchrony compared to Activitrax patients (P < 0.001), while no difference was detected between groups at subsequent follow‐up intervals. Use of the slow and fast walk protocol, by permitting serial evaluation of sensor response, demonstrated alterations in sensor drive rates with similar levels of activity over the initial 4 to 6 postimplant weeks. This may result from postoperative changes at the pacemaker insertion site. Based on this experience, predischarge programming may not predict long‐term rate response requirements. We recommend evaluation of sensor function using an exercise protocol performed at 4 to 6 postimplant weeks in all rate responsive pacing systems that utilize a piezoelectric crystal .