[Electrical stimulation of the heart in the sick sinus syndrome]

The results of electrical stimulation of the heart in 49 patients with the sick sinus syndrome are discussed. Continuous endocardial stimulation of the ventricle was applied in 30 patients. Implantation of two cardiac stimulators was performed on 5 patients, one for frequent stimulation of the atrium (switched on outside) and the other (biocontrolled) for stimulation of the ventricle. Fourteen patients who had no episodes of loss of consciousness and no signs of circulatory insufficiency did not undergo operation. There were two fatal outcomes in the postoperative period, which were not linked directly with the use of electrostimulation. No complications of a thromboembolic character were encountered.