[Pacemaker implantation data registry. Supervision of the function of pacemaker and longevity]

To prolong the expected lifetime of pacemakers, more and more pulse generators with reduced output and electrodes with high impedance are used nowadays. Therefore it becomes necessary to measure carefully the physiological parameters as threshold, intracradial potential or the electrode-myocard impedance. When evaluating the threshold it is important to know the output properties of the pacemaker to be used and to take into consideration that the pacemaker itself also will influence the size of the intracardial potential. As no reliable data about the longevity of pacemaker electrodes is available, the total electrode impedance should be measured. Thus at least insulation defects can be detected and impending pacemaker failure be avoided. To observe long term changes in those parameters it is advisable to keep a comprehensive implantation protocol.