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Steroid-tipped leads versus porous platinum permanent pacemaker leads: a controlled study
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Steroid-tipped pacemaker leads significantly reduce electrical thresholds early and long-term compared to porous platinum leads. This offers an advantage for chronic pacemaker performance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Limited comparative data exists between steroid-eluting and porous platinum pacemaker leads.
- Pacemaker lead performance is crucial for long-term device efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the chronic performance of steroid-tipped pacemaker leads versus porous platinum leads.
- To evaluate electrical thresholds and sensing amplitudes over time.
Main Methods:
- Randomized trial of 18 patients receiving unipolar pacemaker leads.
- Leads placed in the right ventricular apex or atrial appendage.
- Electrical thresholds measured at implant and at multiple follow-up points up to 6 months.
Main Results:
- No difference in implant thresholds or sensing amplitudes.
- Steroid-tipped leads showed significantly lower thresholds by 2 weeks post-implant, with increasing divergence over time.
- No significant chronic threshold rise observed with steroid leads; standard leads showed higher thresholds at 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Steroid-tipped pacemaker leads provide a significant advantage in reducing chronic electrical thresholds.
- This reduction in thresholds may improve long-term pacemaker capture and reduce battery consumption.