[Sensor-induced rate adaptation: sensor systems and tuning. Manual versus automatic tuning].

BACKGROUND: Rate adaptive stimulation represents an established therapeutic option in the management of cardiac rhythm disturbance. To realize a physiologic heart rate in patients with chronotopic incompetence several different sensor systems were developed. Due to the requirements of a physiologic pacemaker with all algorithms and therapeutic functions complex pacemaker systems were created. The realization of an automatic rate optimization was given by self adjusting algorithm or new sensor systems (closed loop systems). Comparing data respecting automatic vs manual sensor adjustment are not present. The automatic sensor adjustment was examined only in small patient groups.

CONCLUSION: This studies indicated that most patients could be adjusted by the automatic function. Nevertheless, out of technical reasons a small group of patients could not be adjusted. The verification of the correct individual rate response in all patients treated with rate response pacemakers belongs to the physicians obligation.