A temporary external DDD pacing unit

A device for temporary external DDD pacing was developed using a modified permanent pulse generator, and temporary atrial and ventricular electrode catheters were inserted pervenously. The atrial lead was a J type and the ventricular lead had a remote anode in the superior vena cava. With a special clamp and appropriate connectors the permanent DDD pulse generator provided unipolar external DDD pacing. The device was evaluated in 13 patients to control bradyarrhythmias or for overdrive pacing in an attempt to control tachyarrhythmias. Nine patients were ambulatory; all had continuous electrocardiographic monitoring. The device was used for 1 to 12 days (mean 4.9). Eight patients benefited from temporary DDD pacing and 7 had permanent DDD pacemakers implanted. In 1 patient, atrial fibrillation developed, 2 patients had brief episodes of ventricular lead displacement and another required reprogramming because of loss of ventricular capture. Results suggest that the device is applicable for a clinical trial of DDD pacing before possible permanent implantation when attempting to improve cardiac output or control arrhythmias.