Management of pacemaker circus movement tachycardias

DDD pacemakers were implanted in 11 patients of whom 5 had the capacity to conduct retrogradely to the atrium. Methods to prevent or terminate pacemaker circus movement tachycardia ( PCMT ) were evaluated in these patients. V-A conduction was assessed before implantation by incremental right ventricular pacing while recording right atrial electrograms. Following implantation and at quarterly outpatient clinic visits, V-A conduction and ability to initiate and sustain PCMT were systematically assessed by non-invasive techniques. PCMT could be induced non-invasively in all 5 patients. The methods used to reduce and terminate the incidence of PCMT were: 1) decreasing the atrial sensitivity; 2) stressing the V-A conduction system by programming a high upper rate with an appropriately short A-V interval; 3) programming a low lower rate; 4) avoiding the Wenckebach response (by programming a high upper rate); 5) medication; and 6) occasionally by using a magnet. PCMT was controlled in all patients, in 2 patients by programming measures only and in 2 with the addition of medication. One patient who refused medication had to be programmed into another pacing mode. We conclude that: 1) the presence of V-A conduction is not an absolute contraindication to the use of a DDD pacing system; 2) pacing the ventricle early enough to cause V-A block was the most useful method to terminate PCMT ; 3) future generation DDD pacemakers should prevent initiation of PCMTs while maintaining the possibility to synchronize to exercise-induced high atrial rates.