Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Specialized Characteristics of Cardiac Muscles

Specialized Characteristics of Cardiac Muscles

The primary role of cardiac muscles is to propel blood throughout the cardiovascular system. The cardiac muscle cells, or cardiomyocytes, exhibit specialized characteristics that allow them to perform this function.
Cardiac muscle cells are smaller than skeletal muscles, averaging 10–20 mm in diameter and 50–100 mm in length. However, they have large energy demands for continuous contraction and relaxation. This energy is almost exclusively derived from aerobic metabolism of energy reserves in...

Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm

Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm

The normal cardiac rhythm is a synchronized electrical activity that facilitates the regular and coordinated contraction of the heart muscle. This process is essential for efficient blood circulation throughout the body. The fundamental elements involved in establishing and maintaining this rhythm include the unique electrical properties of cardiac muscle cells, the sinoatrial (SA) node's pacemaker function, the specialized conducting system, and the ionic mechanisms underlying each phase of...

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.

Conduction System of the Heart

Conduction System of the Heart

Autorhythmicity is a term that refers to the heart's inherent ability to generate electrical signals and instigate muscle contractions. This self-regulating conduction system within the heart consists of two key components: the pacemaker cells and specialized conducting cells.
The pacemaker cells are located in two primary nodes: the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. The SA node pacemaker cells can autonomously depolarize, triggering an action potential that leads to the...

Conduction System of the Heart

Conduction System of the Heart

The cardiac conduction system produces and transmits electrical impulses that prompt myocardial contraction, ensuring efficient heart function. This intricate system ensures that the heart beats in a coordinated and efficient manner, beginning with the atria and then the ventricles. The conduction system optimizes cardiac output by maintaining this precise sequence, which is crucial for adequate blood circulation.
This system relies on the unique properties of nodal and Purkinje cells:...

Cardiac Action Potential

Cardiac Action Potential

Cardiac action potentials are essential for proper heart function, enabling the rhythmic contractions needed for adequate blood circulation. Nodal cells and Purkinje fibers, specialized for electrical conduction, generate these action potentials.
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Leadless pacing.

Herz·2018

Same author

Left ventricular leads used in cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure patients.

Herzschrittmachertherapie & Elektrophysiologie·2016

Same author

[ICD therapy in the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death: Risk stratification and patient selection].

Herzschrittmachertherapie & Elektrophysiologie·2015

Same author

[An outpatient education program for patients and partners after implantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD)].

Herzschrittmachertherapie & Elektrophysiologie·2011

Same author

[Psychocardiological practice guidelines for ICD implantation and long-term care].

Herzschrittmachertherapie & Elektrophysiologie·2011

Same author

[The psychocardiologic side of implantation, wearing and psychological adjustment to the activity of an implanted cardioverter/defibrillator].

Herzschrittmachertherapie & Elektrophysiologie·2011

Same journal

Real-World Effectiveness and Tolerability of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Octogenarian Patients With Heart Failure: Results From the PARACHUTER Study.

The American journal of cardiology·2026

Same journal

ECG-Guided Conduction Pathways as a Lever to Shorten Post-TAVI Hospitalization.

The American journal of cardiology·2026

Same journal

Cystatin-C versus creatinine and kidney function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a SOGALDI-PEF analysis.

The American journal of cardiology·2026

Same journal

Balloon-expandable versus Self-expanding Valves in Patients with Small Aortic Annuli Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

The American journal of cardiology·2026

Same journal

Drug-Coated Balloons versus Drug-Eluting Stents following Coronary Atherectomy in Severely Calcified Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The American journal of cardiology·2026

Same journal

Prehospital Statin Therapy and Outcomes in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

The American journal of cardiology·2026

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine

Published on: February 17, 2018

Pacemaker automaticity.

J Neuzner¹, T Schwarz, J Sperzel

¹Department of Cardiology-Electrophysiology, Kerckhoff-Klinik, Bad Nauheim, Germany.

The American Journal of Cardiology

|November 21, 2000

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Automated pacemaker monitoring enhances patient safety and quality of life by detecting malfunctions early. Clinical studies are needed to confirm the benefits of these advanced automated device functions.

More Related Videos

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: September 24, 2021

Optimization of Transesophageal Atrial Pacing to Assess Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility in Mice

Optimization of Transesophageal Atrial Pacing to Assess Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility in Mice

Published on: June 29, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine

Published on: February 17, 2018

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: September 24, 2021

Optimization of Transesophageal Atrial Pacing to Assess Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility in Mice

Optimization of Transesophageal Atrial Pacing to Assess Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility in Mice

Published on: June 29, 2022

Area of Science:

Biomedical Engineering
Cardiology
Medical Device Technology

Background:

Continuous monitoring of pacemaker electrical parameters is crucial for ensuring device function.
Current follow-up protocols for pacemaker patients are undergoing significant changes due to technological advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the potential of automated pacemaker functions in enhancing patient safety and quality of life.
To emphasize the need for clinical studies to validate the benefits of automated pacemaker technology.

Main Methods:

Automated measurement of key electrical parameters: battery voltage, current drain, pacing impedance, sensing levels, and pacing thresholds.
Leveraging new technologies in device interrogation, data transfer, and patient alert systems.

Main Results:

Automated measurements enable continuous monitoring of pacemaker functionality.
New technologies promise immediate detection of all device malfunctions, including transient ones, significantly enhancing therapy safety.

Conclusions:

Fully automated pacemakers are technically feasible, but clinical acceptance is a challenge.
Clinical studies are essential to demonstrate the advantages of automated device functions regarding patient safety, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness.