Importance and long-term utility of a multiparameter programmable pulse generator

Almost all pacemakers currently implanted in patients in the United States are now capable of some degree of noninvasive programmability. Although programmability seems to be a very useful feature and allows flexibility in the patient's pacemaker system, the use of programmability in the late follow-up period has not been well substantiated. We compare the use of programmability in the early and late postoperative periods in 100 consecutive patients who received a multiparameter programmable pulse generator. Programmability is definitely a desirable feature, particularly for alterations in rate, pulse width, and sensitivity.