Two decades of cardiac pacing at the Mayo Clinic (1961 through 1981)

Pacemaker procedures performed at the Mayo Clinic for the years 1961, 1971, and 1981 were reviewed to examine the changes that have occurred in a large pacemaker practice during the 2 decades since the advent of pacemaker therapy. Major changes in trends and practice have occurred; in addition to numerical growth, the indications for permanent pacing and the technologic alternatives available have expanded considerably. The increasing choices available today (in all areas of pacemaker practice) provide a challenging stimulus to physicians as they seek the best clinical options in patient care.