Registration of Pacemaker-induced Skin Potentials in the Routine Control of Implanted Pacemakers

Abstract

The stimulus wave from an implanted pacemaker may be registered indirectly by ordinary ECG leads and displayed on a fast-moving oscilloscope. The amplitude of the curve thus registered will be proportional to the pacing current.

A fall in amplitude of 20 % or more in all ECG leads indicates a reduced current output from the pacemaker. In pacemakers giving impulses of the capacitor discharge type failures in the pacing electrodes will be diagnosed by altered wave form, while in failure due to battery depletion only the amplitude will be reduced. Experience from 14 patients shows that the method is most valuable in the differential diagnosis of established pacing failure. In addition, it may detect unexpected failures in pacing leads or batteries if it is used for routine control of pacemaker patients.

Key Words:

• A V block
• pacemaker