SUSTAINED EFFECTIVENESS OF AN ATRIAL ANTITACHYCARDIA PACEMAKER DURING FOLLOW-UP

Atrial antitachycardia pacemakers are indicated for medically refractory atrial rachyarrhyth‐mias. To confirm long‐term device effectiveness, we studied diagnostic data obtained in 17 patients with atrially‐placed Intermedic “Iniertach” pacemakers. The unit has programmable primary (P mod) and secondary (S mod) antitachycardia response protocols. Success of the P mod was defined as a P mod response first with no subsequent S mod response. Follow‐up was for 595 days (±302 days). The P mod was utilized first 88.2 ± 102 times per patient interrogation with subsequent S mod use 21.1 ± 53 times (P < 0.0001). Results were also significant when P mod was compared to S mod in the first versus the last half of follow‐up (both P < 0.0001). These results suggest that the programmed P mod of the atrial “Intertach” tachycardia reversion pacemaker has sustained effectiveness in the treatment of medically refractory atrial tachyarrhythmias. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved