Long-term performance of steroid-eluting lead in dual chamber pacing.

The atrial pacing lead is believed having higher stimulation thresholds and long-term complication rates than ventricular lead, this being one of the factors limiting the use of dual chamber pacing. A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate both atrial and ventricular bipolar tined steroid-eluting leads in long-term dual chamber pacing. There are 81 pairs of leads (Medtronic Capsure SP) used in 81 patients. Bipolar atrial and ventricular stimulation thresholds were measured immediately post implantation and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. All leads demonstrated low mean stimulation thresholds during the follow-up and more than 94% of leads could be paced chronically in the atrium and ventricle at 2.5 volts. In conclusion, atrial and ventricular steroid-eluting leads gave excellent stimulation thresholds allowing low energy long-term dual chamber pacing.