[Clinical experience with the cage electrode EMT 588 K. Threshold--current consumption--postoperative complications...

The Lagergren cage electrode Elema EMT 588 K was implanted in 26 male and 21 female patients for permanent cardiac stimulation. 29 of the 47 cage electrodes were fitted with a platinum and 18 with an Elgiloy head. Acute threshold in the platinum group was 0,52 +/- 0,15 volts (x +/- s), the equivalent electrode resistance being 565 +/- 135 ohms. The threshold mean value for the Elgiloy cage electrodes was shown to be 0,36 +/- 0,11 volts, while the resistance values measured respectively 410 +/- 44 and 418 +/- 23 ohms depending on the method of measurement. In the postoperative period (up to 16 months) the following complications were observed: 3 dislocations (6,38%) and one case of rise in threshold (2,12%). The total correction rate (8,5%) corresponds almost exactly to that recorded by the author in a personal series of 400 electrode implantations of various designs. The cage electrode offers no advantages in comparison to other small surface electrodes, however, the relatively higher current consumption caused by low total electrode resistance must be regarded as disadvantages. Experience with the cage electrode has shown that the transitional resistance depends not only on the surface, but also essentially on the material and shape of the electrode tip.