FFS - Far Field Sensing Test Study in Cardiac Dual Chamber Pacemakers

Far Field Sensing Test Study in Patients With Implanted Cardiac Dual Chamber Pacemakers

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of individual adjustment of the postventricular atrial blanking period in avoiding inappropriate mode switch of dual chamber pacemakers.

Far-field R-wave sensing (FFS) in the atrial channel of dual chamber pacemakers is a relevant source for inappropriate mode switch from the DDD mode to the DDI or VDI mode. Inappropriate loss of atrioventricular synchrony due to false positive mode switch is hemodynamically disadvantageous, may induce atrial tachyarrhythmias, can lead to pacemaker syndrome, and impairs the reliability of pacemaker Holter data. The aim of the study is to determine whether individual adjustment of the postventricular atrial blanking period (PVAB) based on an additional test is effective in avoiding inappropriate mode switch due to FFS when compared to standard programming of the PVAB

Inclusion Criteria:

• Indication for dual chamber pacing
• Implantation of an Identity DR pacemaker (St. Jude Medical)
• Bipolar atrial pacing electrode

Exclusion Criteria:

• Heart failure NYHA III and IV
• Unstable angina pectoris
• Indication for the implantation of an ICD
• Cardiac surgery within previous 6 months
• Cardiac surgery planed for the next 3 months