[Long-term evaluation of a new single lead VDD pacemaker]

Since June 1988 we have implanted 36 VDD pacemakers with single lead catheter which has floating differential sensing (Phymos). The patients were affected by 2nd and 3rd degree AV block with normal sinus node function. The reliability of the pacing system was assessed acutely and after 1 and 3 months and then every six months with ECG, Holter 24 hours monitoring, exercise stress test and nifedipine test. Two patients died during the follow-up period and two had atrial fibrillation. In the remaining patients an AV synchronization between 95 and 100% was demonstrated.