Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026
10:08
Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine
Published on: February 17, 2018
[A permanent pacemaker]
Insights
This study reviewed 113 permanent pacemaker implantations. A dedicated cardiologist since 1982 led to a low complication rate for pacemaker procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Device Technology
Context:
- Review of 113 permanent pacemaker implantations from June 1975 to December 1987.
- Focus on the period after January 1, 1982, when a dedicated cardiologist assumed responsibility for all pacemaker implantations.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the frequency of complications associated with permanent pacemaker implantations.
- To identify factors contributing to complication rates over time.
Summary:
- A significant decrease in complication frequency was observed following the appointment of a specialized cardiologist in 1982.
- The study found a low and acceptable frequency of complications in the period from 1982 onwards.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of specialized care in reducing pacemaker implantation complications.
- Provides data supporting improved patient outcomes with dedicated cardiology services.
Abstract:
We have reviewed all 113 permanent pacemaker implantations carried out from June 1975 until 31 December 1987. Since 1 January 1982 the hospital has employed a cardiologist who has been responsible for all implantations of pacemakers. We have focussed in particular on the frequency of complications. We have found a low and acceptable frequency of complications since 1 January 1982 and discuss various reasons for this finding.
Related Concept Videos
01:13The Cardiac Cycle
The heart beats rhythmically in a sequence called the cardiac cycle—a rapid coordination of contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole).
The Process
Electrical signals—sent from the sinoatrial (SA) node in the right atrial wall to the atrioventricular (AV) node between the right atrium and right ventricle—cause both atria to simultaneously contract. When the signal reaches the AV node, it pauses for approximately a tenth of a second, allowing the atria to contract and empty blood into the...
The Process
Electrical signals—sent from the sinoatrial (SA) node in the right atrial wall to the atrioventricular (AV) node between the right atrium and right ventricle—cause both atria to simultaneously contract. When the signal reaches the AV node, it pauses for approximately a tenth of a second, allowing the atria to contract and empty blood into the...
01:30Pulse rhythm
Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
01:27Specialized Characteristics of Cardiac Muscles
The primary role of cardiac muscles is to propel blood throughout the cardiovascular system. The cardiac muscle cells, or cardiomyocytes, exhibit specialized characteristics that allow them to perform this function.
Cardiac muscle cells are smaller than skeletal muscles, averaging 10–20 mm in diameter and 50–100 mm in length. However, they have large energy demands for continuous contraction and relaxation. This energy is almost exclusively derived from aerobic metabolism of energy reserves in...
Cardiac muscle cells are smaller than skeletal muscles, averaging 10–20 mm in diameter and 50–100 mm in length. However, they have large energy demands for continuous contraction and relaxation. This energy is almost exclusively derived from aerobic metabolism of energy reserves in...
01:19Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm
The normal cardiac rhythm is a synchronized electrical activity that facilitates the regular and coordinated contraction of the heart muscle. This process is essential for efficient blood circulation throughout the body. The fundamental elements involved in establishing and maintaining this rhythm include the unique electrical properties of cardiac muscle cells, the sinoatrial (SA) node's pacemaker function, the specialized conducting system, and the ionic mechanisms underlying each phase of...
01:19Conduction System of the Heart
Autorhythmicity is a term that refers to the heart's inherent ability to generate electrical signals and instigate muscle contractions. This self-regulating conduction system within the heart consists of two key components: the pacemaker cells and specialized conducting cells.
The pacemaker cells are located in two primary nodes: the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. The SA node pacemaker cells can autonomously depolarize, triggering an action potential that leads to the...
The pacemaker cells are located in two primary nodes: the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. The SA node pacemaker cells can autonomously depolarize, triggering an action potential that leads to the...
01:20Conduction System of the Heart
The cardiac conduction system produces and transmits electrical impulses that prompt myocardial contraction, ensuring efficient heart function. This intricate system ensures that the heart beats in a coordinated and efficient manner, beginning with the atria and then the ventricles. The conduction system optimizes cardiac output by maintaining this precise sequence, which is crucial for adequate blood circulation.
This system relies on the unique properties of nodal and Purkinje cells:...
This system relies on the unique properties of nodal and Purkinje cells:...