Atrial Pacing evaluation of leads, threshold, and P-voltage

Abstract

Endcardial (J-type) and newly designed epicardial leads for atrial pacing were evaluated comparing with right ventricular endcardial lead.
Pacing threshold and P-wave voltage were measured at the time of initial implantation and after 1-2 weeks.
Pacing threshold was significantly higher in atrial pacing than in right ventricular pacing at the acute and chronic periods. After 1-2 weeks, it elevated to 2-3 times as much. Although there were no significant difference between these two atrial leads, the epicardial lead showed higher pacing threshold and failed to pace in some cases at short pulse duration.
The new epicardial lead needs farther investigation for permanent implantation.