Atrial pacing: efficacy and safety.

Atrial pacing has the advantages of simplicity, maintenance of AV synchrony, and economy. The major detraction has been the potential for deterioration of atrioventricular conduction. In this study, we followed 43 patients with sick sinus syndrome treated with atrial (AAI) pacing. Excellent initial implant parameters were obtained in all. Three early lead repositionings were required. Minor sensing and pacing problems could all otherwise be handled by reprogramming. Follow-up for a mean of 25 +/- 20 months demonstrated excellent performance of the pacing systems. Pacing and sensing thresholds and lead impedance indicated excellent lead performance. There were no late lead failures. Nine patients have had mild deterioration in atrioventricular conduction and one of these had a change to DDD pacing at the time of elective battery change. All patients are asymptomatic. Thus, chronic atrial pacing in selected patients is safe and reliable with good chronic lead performance and low risk of subsequent conduction system disease.