Implantation of double screw-in leads

Since 1978, 600 double screw-in leads have been implanted, 320 in the ventricle and 280 in the atrium. Four episodes of cardiac perforation, one of which was lethal, have occurred during guide-catheter insertion. The electrode is now coated with polyglycol which is blood soluble and covers the electrode hooks during introduction into the vascular system without a guide catheter. The electrode hooks are exposed and can be attached to the endocardium. Three atrial leads, 1.07% and one ventricular lead, 0.31%, have become dislodged. Total dislodgement has thus been 0.67%.