[Experience in the use of a new endocardial stimulation electrode]

Since February 2002, Flextend electrode catheters are used at the Cardiovascular Unit of the Catholic University Clinical Hospital. These transvenous catheters have an IS-1 connector, silicone coating, active fixation and retractile helix with dexamethasone acetate.

To report early and one year results using Flextend catheters.

Retrospective analysis of all patients that received an implant of a Flextend catheter in the Unit.

Forty one Flextend catheters were implanted in 24 patients, without acute displacement or clinical pericarditis. In 18 electrode catheters located in the right atrium the mean values for p wave, stimulation threshold and impedance at the moment of placement, were 2.9+/-1.4 mV, 0.8+/-0.4 V and 522+/-86 Ohms, respectively. The figures 24 hours after placement were 3.6+/-2.1 mV, 0.8+/-0.3 V and 612+/-69 Ohms, respectively. In 23 electrode catheters in the right ventricle, mean values at the moment of placement for R wave, stimulation threshold and impedance were 11.3+/-3.6 mV, 0.8+/-0.2 V and 756+/-108 Ohms, respectively. The figures 24 hours after placement were 3.6+/-2.1 mV, 0.8+/-0.3 V and 612+/-69 Ohms, respectively. In one patient, the stimulation threshold increased two months after placement and required a new intervention.

Flextend catheters ca be placed successfully with a low rate of complications and stable function parameters on follow up.