Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gvvz8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-24T12:35:07.713Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

How pacemakers work and simple programming: a primer for the non-electrophysiologist

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 January 2017

Christine Chiu-Man*
Affiliation:
Department of Cardiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
*
Correspondence to: C. Chiu-Man, MSc, Department of Cardiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 1X8. Tel: 416-813-6223; Fax: 416-813-8398; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Paediatric pacemaker management is challenging because of the small patient size, complex cardiac anatomy, and unique programming considerations. Hardware placement options include epicardial and transvenous systems. When pacemaker malfunction is suspected, a systematic approach is required to determine whether there is malfunction in pacing, sensing, or no output due to hardware problem. In most cases, simple reprogramming may circumvent the problem and allow retention of the pacemaker system.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2017 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Jeffrey, K. Machines in Our Hearts: The Cardiac Pacemaker, The Implantable Defibrillator and American Health Care. The John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 2001.Google Scholar
2. Cohen, M, Bush, D, Vetter, V, et al. Permanent epicardial pacing in pediatric patients: seventeen years of experience and 1200 outpatient visits. Circulation 2001; 103: 25852590.Google Scholar
3. Berul, C, Cecchin, F. Indications and techniques of pediatric cardiac pacing. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2003; 1: 165176.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
4. Silka, M, Bar-Cohen, Y. Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in pediatric patients. Heart Rhythm 2006; 3: 13601366.Google Scholar
5. Ellenbogen, K, Wilkoff, B, Kay, GN, Lau, CP. Clinical cardiac pacing, defibrillation and resynchronization therapy, 4th edn. Elsevier Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2011.Google Scholar
6. Tsiperfal, A, Ottoboni, L, Beheiry, S, et al. Cardiac Arrhythmia Management: A Practical Guide for Nurses and Allied Professionals. Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc., Hoboken, NJ, 2011.Google Scholar