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Use of a multi‐stage exercise test to assess the responsiveness of rate‐adaptive pacemakers in dogs
Author(s) -
Ferasin L.,
Faena M.,
Henderson S. M.,
Langford K.,
Darke P. G. G.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of small animal practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1748-5827
pISSN - 0022-4510
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2005.tb00301.x
Subject(s) - medicine , atrioventricular block , treadmill , heart rate , cardiology , step test , stage (stratigraphy) , blood pressure , significant difference , paleontology , biology
O bjectives : To assess the ventricular rate response of rate‐adaptive (VVIR) pacemakers in dogs using a multi‐stage exercise test. M ethods : The rate‐responsiveness of VVIR pacemakers was assessed in seven dogs with complete atrioventricular (AV) block and implanted with various models of pulse generators (six motion sensors and one automatic dual‐sensor rate‐response pacemaker). Response activity was assessed with a multi‐stage exercise test on a treadmill. Atrial and ventricular rate were analysed retrospectively at the end of the test and the AV ratio was calculated after each minute of exercise. R esults : During exercise, the mean (sd) AV ratio recorded in all paced dogs was 1.7 (0.5) (expected physiological ratio 1.0), although a variety of individual performances was observed. A poor response (AV ratio 2.8 [0.2]) was obtained with the automatic dual‐sensor pacemaker, suggesting that this type of rate‐responsive device may not be indicated for implantation in dogs with complete AV block. The overall AV ratio for the six dogs implanted with motion sensors was 1.4 (0.2), showing a better performance of these pacemakers during exercise. C linical S ignificance : This multi‐stage exercise test represents an easy and repeatable method for assessing the accuracy of rate‐responsive sensors and offers valuable information for the correct setting of VVIR pacemakers in dogs.