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[Cardiac pacing in West Africa: feasibility, problems, and perspectives]
1Service de cardiologie, hôpital principal, BP 3006, Dakar, Sénégal. massthiam@sentoo.sn
Background:
The frequency of conductive trouble is not know in West-Africa where the evacuation to Europe and the cardiology institute of Abidjan has been for long time the only possibility to implant stimulators. We analyse our experience, the problems ant the perspectives.
Methods:
Over a three year period 92 patients (47 men, 45 women) were implanted using new (47%) or a recycled pacemaker. The technique used was essentially endoveinous (sub-clavicular puncture) except 2 children. The medium length of treatment was 24 months.
Results:
Syncope was noticed at the entrance in most 50% of cases. The degenerative etiology was dominant in 85%. Most cases (87%) used the VVI mode. Complications comprised 3 leads deplacements, 5 infections, 1 pacemaker syndrome and 1 death by mesenteria ischemia. Seven patients died later without any relation of cardiac pacing.
Conclusion:
Despite an intrinsically high cost, pacemaker implantation is feasible and useful in selected indications in developing countries.