A combined atrial/ventricular lead for permanent dual-chamber cardiac pacing applications

A new urethane insulated dual unipolar atrial/ventricular transvenous lead has been developed to facilitate implantation of permanent dual-chamber cardiac pacing systems in man. The atrial portion of the lead has tines and is designed to retain a permanent J configuration, while the coaxially situated ventricular lead is freely and independently adjustable and incorporates a ring tip electrode with four urethane tines. Our initial experience with the dual lead in one patient is reported herein and suggests that combined atrial/ventricular pacing leads are feasible and may obviate need for implantation of two separate pacing electrodes in patients being considered for permanent dual-chamber pacing.