Pacing mode survival in patients with single chamber atrial pacemaker for sinus node dysfunction

Single chamber atrial pacemaker should be sufficient for patients with sinus node dysfunction (SND) with normal atrioventricular (AV) conduction. However, most patients undergo dual chamber pacemaker implantation because of concern of new onset AV block. The annual incidence of new AV block has been reported from 0.6 to 4.4 % in various studies.

Our aim is to assess mode survival in sinus node dysfunction with normal AV conduction patients implanted with AAIR.

Patients who underwent single chamber atrial pacemaker implantation for SND with normal AV conduction between January 2014 and December 2021 were followed up for pacemaker device change, new onset AV block, bundle branch block, atrial fibrillation (AF), lead complications, reoperation and mortality rate.

A total of 113 patients underwent single chamber atrial pacemaker implantation for SND during the study period. Mean age was 55.6 ± 12.7 years. During a mean follow up of 48.7 ± 24.9 months, none of the patients required pacemaker device change to VVIR/DDDR. Nine patients underwent reoperation, 5 for lead dislodgment, 1 for high threshold, 1 for pocket site erosion and 3 for pulse generator change. None developed AV block or AF with slow ventricular rate. Only 4 patients developed AF (3 paroxysmal,1 permanent). There were 3 deaths during follow up and none were sudden deaths.

Single chamber atrial pacing is an acceptable mode of pacing in patients with SND in developing countries. Development of AV conduction abnormalities is rare in this relatively younger population.