J-shaped versus straight leads for atrial implantation: Comparison of efficacy and safety

Although J-shaped electrode leads have been advocated for atrial implantation, their superiority over standard straight leads has not been well documented. Moreover, J-shaped leads are more expensive than straight leads. To compare the efficacy and safety of both types of leads we analysed retrospectively the results of 81 consecutive implantations of atrial Leads. One straight and three J-leads were replaced during the initial procedure by active fixation leads; as such, final study group consisted of 77 cases (61 DDD, 16 AAI): 58 were J and 19 straight leads. Stimulation threshold, slew late, impedance, P wave amplitude and procedure time did not differ significantly between two types of leads used. During follow-up of 8 - 45 months(25,4 +/- 10,1) 2 repositions of both lead types were required (difference not important statistically). In conclusion, J-shaped leads seem not to be superior to the straight leads for atrial implantations.