An implantable antitachycardia pacemaker with back-up pacing and scanning burst mode

We used an automatically triggered antitachycardia device (PASAR 4171) which is able to provide up to 7 stimuli in the atrium of three patients with AV-nodal tachycardia. A PASAR 4172 was implanted in a patient with WPW which gave two stimuli in the right ventricle. One revision was needed due to exit block. Temporary undersensing occurred in one patient. Atrial fibrillation occurred for the first time postoperatively in the WPW patient, without major side-effects. Treatment with low dosage amiodarone was initiated to prevent recurrence. At follow-up, magnet application was useful to induce supraventricular tachycardia in the three 4171 patients with 4171 devices, proving effective termination of tachycardia. Back-up pacing or concertina mode were used in 3 of 4 patients.