Experimental and clinical study of a new permanent myocardial atrial sutureless pacing lead

A new permanent lead has been developed for atrial epicardial use. Early clinical evaluation (26 human implants) following thorough canine studies indicates that the new lead is safe, effective, and reliable. Canine thresholds and P-wave amplitudes as a function of implant time are similar to those of transvenous atrial "J" leads. Human thresholds at implant are higher than canine, but change less with time. Implant and acute repositioning were found to be easy. There have been no lead-related operations.