One-year follow-up of automatic adaptation of the rate response algorithm of the QT sensing, rate adaptive pacemaker

Optimal functioning of a rate adaptive pacemaker depends upon reliable sensing of the sensor and appropriate programming of the rate of response algorithm. QT sensing pacemakers use data derived from the endocardial electrogram in the programming of the rate response algorithm. In the latest versions of these pacemakers, programming of the rate response algorithm may be performed using either a semiautomatic Fast Learn (FL) procedure or by using the newly developed, fully Automatic Slope Adaptation (ASA) mechanism. We report our experience in a prospective study of 17 patients in the first year postimplantation. ASA was characterized by significant changes only in the values of the slope settings at the lower rate limit (3.7 msec/msec at time 0 to 5.77 msec/msec at 2 weeks, P less than 0.001) during the first 2 weeks after its enablement. Further adaptation between weeks 2 to 4 was observed (5.77 msec/msec to 6.4 msec/msec, P = 0.2) but this was not significant. The slope settings derived using the FL procedure were also checked at 2 and 4 weeks and were reproducible. They were closest in value to the values attained by the automated mechanism at 4 weeks. This suggests that the final value of the slope setting at the lower rate limit using ASA is reached between weeks 2 to 4. Both methods of slope determination result in satisfactory and similar rate response profiles but the time to achieve slope stability will necessarily be slower with ASA.