Diagnostic value of follow-up of patients with artificial pacemakers
Opolski, G.; Pieniak, M.; Steckiewicz, R.
Kardiologia Polska 23(12): 1011-1016
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-9032 PMID: 7206416 Document Number: 167092
The diagnostic value of full-specialist follow-up for detection of disturbances and complications of pacemakers verified intraoperatively or during technical examination of the removed pacemakers was studied. In 300 patients with implanted pacemakers admitted for reimplantation or surgical correction of the pacemaking system, the specialist follow-up accurately established the causes of pacemaking disturbances in about 95% of cases. In the remaining 5%, it was possible to determine the cause on the basis of intraoperative control or technical examination of the removed pacemakers. The accepted timetable of follow-up made possible detection of 61% of all complications and pacemaking disturbances. A high number of admissions due to pacemaker failure indicates the necessity of supplementing the specialist follow-up with another type of examination, e.g., telephone control, which could be performed more frequently and with less trouble for the patient.