Clinical Importance of the Analysis Functions of a Multiprogrammable Pacemaker

Summary

The recent introduction of microprocessor based pacemakers with full bidirectional telemetry has greatly improved the flexibility of multiprogrammable pacing systems. In addition to “standard” programmable options, these pacemakers offer the possibility of measuring such parameters as battery status and lead impedance, of making strength duration curves, and of recording intracardiac ECG and Holter monitoring data. All of these functions can be useful in the analysis of pacemaker and/or lead related problems (insulation defects, electrode dislocation and sensing errors), in the development of new electrodes and in the evaluation of drug therapy. The possibility of storing data in the pacemaker can also be of importance in cases where patients are admitted in an emergency. This would become a significant advantage if some form of standardisation could be achieved with respect to the various programming devices.

The increased amount of time needed for follow-up, the lack of compatibility between and the complexity of the different pacemaker systems are disadvantages that can be solved by making these systems autoprogrammable.

In this article we will discuss these various aspects in relation to the Vitatron DPG 1 pacemaker.