Small surface electrodes for cardiac pacing and their effect on the longevity of pacemakers

Two new electrode types were developed and were tested experimentally and clinically as to their long-term cardiac pacing performance. The first electrode, of a 12 sq.mm sitmulation surface, displays a tip of flat cylindrical shape. It shows an average threshold current of approx. 0.5 mA with an impulse width of 1ms. The second electrode of 8 sq.mm stimulation surface, is provided with a ballshape tip. An average threshold stimulation current of approx. 0.24 mA is hereby reached. In addition to being suitable for other applications, both electrode types may be conveniently used as implants with pacers delivering shorter stimulation impulse (0.5 to 0.8 ms) and having lower stimulation voltage (5V).