22 Implantation
Preventing conduction of
atrial tachycardia
BIOTRONIK devices feature several functions to prevent conduction of atrial tachycardia to the ventricle(s):
• Set mode switching for indicated patients.
• Set the upper rate and the refractory periods to prevent abrupt ventricular rate
switching.
• Give preference to Wenckebach response and avoid 2:1 behavior.
• Set all parameters so as to prevent constant changing between atrial and ventricular-controlled modes.
Observing the shock imped-
ance limit
The implanted device could be damaged if the shock impedance is too low.
• The shock impedance must be > 25 Ω.
Preventing recurrence
after therapy shock
After a therapy shock, pacing can be performed with a post-shock program if there
is no intrinsic rhythm.
• The following post-shock program parameters can be adjusted: post-shock
duration, basic rate, rate hysteresis, ventricular pacing, LV-T-wave protection,
triggering, AV delay (fixed, not dynamic).
• The default settings for the post-shock program are as follows:
A and RV: 7.5 V, 1.5 ms
LV: settings from the permanent program
Phrenic nerve stimulation
that cannot be terminated
In rare cases, chronic phrenic nerve stimulation cannot be terminated by reprogramming of the available left ventricular pacing configurations or by other measures.
• As the case may be, set a right ventricular mode both in the permanent
program as well as the ATP, in the post-shock program and for
mode switching.
Avoiding risks in the case of
exclusive LV pacing
Lead dislodgement in the case of exclusive left ventricular pacing could pose the
following risks: loss of ventricular pacing and ATP therapy, induction of atrial
arrhythmias.
• Consider sensing and pacing parameters with reference to loss of therapy.
• Exclusive LV pacing is not recommended for patients who depend on the device.
• Take non-availability of automatic active capture control into consideration.
• In the case of follow-ups and threshold tests, take loss of synchronized ventricular pacing into consideration.
• Mode switching and post-shock do not allow for exclusive LV pacing. Also take
the effects into account when setting the mode switching and post-shock
parameters.
Recognizing lead failure Automatic impedance measurement is always switched on.
• Impedance values that indicate technical failure of a lead are documented in
the event list.
Permanent program Post-shock program
DDD, DDI, AAI DDI
VDD, VDI VDI
VVI and OFF VVI