Cardiac Pacing in Clinical Practice

Introduction: A Short History of Cardiac Pacing.- 1 Brief Review of the Anatomy, Electrophysiology and Pathophysiology of the Cardiac Conduction System.- 2 General Technical Concepts.- 3 The Pacing Modes.- 4 Indications for Permanent Pacing and Choice of Pacemaker.- 5 Implantation Techniques.- 6 Complications.- 7 Patient Follow-Up.- 8 Practical Guide to Programming.- 9 Pulse Generator and/or Lead Replacement.- 10 Conclusions.- General.- The Magnet Modes.- Medical Emergencies in Paced Patients.- Questions Asked by Paced Patients.- The Simple Questions.- Environmental Interference.- Appendix to Chapter 2.- Additional Theoretical Notions of Electricity.- Additional Facts on Stimulating the Heart.- Appendix to Chapter 3.- Special Non-Responsive SSI Mode Functions that Control the Escape Rate.- Bradycardia Diagnostic Functions.- Rate Smoothing.- Dynamic Overdrive.- Sleep Rate.- Special Non-Responsive DDD Mode Functions that Control the Escape Rate.- Automatic Search of Spontaneous QRS.- The Vitatron and Pacesetter Systems (AV Search Hysteresis, AVD Scanning).- Automatic Switching from AAI to DDD; the ELA System.- Separate Programming of the Upper P Wave Synchronous Rate and of the Maximal Sensor Rate in DDDR Pacemakers.- The Maximal Sensor Rate (MSR) is Programmed Below the Upper P Wave Synchronous Rate (UR).- The Maximal Sensor Rate Is Programmed at the Upper P Wave Synchronous Rate.- The Maximal Sensor Rate Is Programmed Above the Upper P Wave Synchronous Rate.- Protection Algorithms Against Atrial Arrhythmias.- Lower Rate Timing of the Pacemaker.- The European Pacemaker Cards and Codes 1998.- Further Reading.- Sources of Figures.- Some Internet Addresses.