A New Algorithm to Solve Endless Loop Tachycardia in DDD Pacing: A Multi-Center Study of 91 Patients

ELTs (endless loop tachycardias) are a common occurrence associated with DDD pacing. In order to detect and treat ELTs, an innovative automatic pacemaker algorithm was devised and evaluated. The basic principle of the algorithm rests on the relative stability of the ventriculoatrial conduction time (VACT) during ELTs. ELTs are suspected when the VACT remains stable and adheres to certain programmable limits referred to as VACT stability (16 or 31 msec); it is confirmed when the VACT remains stable after a programmable shortening of the AV delay (AVD) value, referred to as AVD shortening (47 or 63 msec). Ninety-one patients, 54 males and 37 females, were implanted with such an algorithm-specific device between January 10 and September 9, 1989. The reasons for implantation were as follows: 55 patients were implanted for AV block, 31 for sinus node dysfunction, and 2 for carotid sinus syndrome. Pacing parameters were programmed to favor ELT initiation (long AVD, short postventricular atrial refractory period [PVARP] and high atrial sensitivity) followed by basic programming of the algorithm (VACT stability set at 16 msec and AVD shortening set at 47 msec. Once this was done, a 24-hour Holter recording was obtained. Eighty-eight patients were thus analyzed, three being excluded from the final report due to the poor quality of the Holter tracings. In 43.2% of the sampling (38 patients), multiple episodes of ELT were identified, exhibiting a mean rate of 120 beats/min. In 26 of 38 cases (68.4%), the rate of ELT was found to be slower than the upper rate limit (URL).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Paradoxical Induction of Endless Loop Tachycardia by Magnet Application Over a DDD Pacemaker

It is well known that removal of a testing magnet from a DDD pulse generator may cause endless loop tachycardia in patients with retrograde ventriculoatrial conduction; application of the magnet then terminates the tachycardia. We have observed the opposite response to the magnet and in this report we describe the paradoxical induction of endless loop tachycardia by magnet application over a DDD pulse generator and its persistence despite repeated removal and reapplication of the magnet. This unusual behavior occurred only in the "magnet off" function and is due to magnet-induced signals sensed by the atrial channel circuitry.     

Hyperkalemia Induced Pacemaker Far-Field Endless Loop Tachycardia

BAROLD, S.: Hyperkalemia Induced Pacemaker Far-Field Endless Loop Tachycardia. This report describes the induction of a far-field endless loop tachycardia by hyperkalemia in a patient with severe heart disease. Ventricular activation was so prolonged that the atrial channel sensed the far-field ventricular deflection within the atrial electrogram beyond the 300 ms postventricular atrial refractory period.     

AV Universal (DDD) Pacemaker-mediated Reentrant Endless Loop Tachycardia Initiated by a Reciprocal Beat of Atrial Origin

An AV universal (DDD) pacemaker-mediated, reentrant, endless loop tachycardia initiated by a reciprocal beat is described. Pacemaker-mediated tachycardias are discussed and addressed in the light of their growing frequency and importance in patients with physiological pacemakers.     

Clinical Evaluation of a New Single Pass Lead VDD Pacing System

Twenty-five patients with second- to third-degree AV block and normal sinus function (16 males, mean age 60 ± 18; range 15–78 years) underwent implantation of WD pacemakers (THERA VDD, Medtronic, Inc.) with a single pass (SP) lead. Results: During implantation the mean amplitude of the atrial (A) signal was 3.9 ±1.4 mV (range 2.0–7.8 mV). Stable, acceptable A-signals during implantation were usually observed in the mid- or lower part of the right atrium. The lead tip electrical parameters were not compro mised in any patient in order to obtain an acceptable A-signal. To verify VDD device function, patients underwent pacing system analysis on the second day and again 1, 3, and 6 months after implantation. Acute and chronic electrical measurements in the ventricle were similar to those with regular steroid leads. During follow-up tests, stable atrial sensing (A ≥ 0.7mV) was found in all but one patient (in whom A was 0.25–0.5 mV and an intermittent loss of atriai sensing occurred). There was no difference between serial measurements of A-signal amplitudes on the second day or 1, 3, and 6 months after implantation: 1.9 ± 1.3 mV, 1.5 ± 0.6 mV, 1.3 ± 0.8 mV, and 1.5 ± 1.1 mV, respectively. The mean implantation time was 54.0 ± 17 minutes and the mean fluoroscopy time was 3.2 ±1.3 minutes. Conclusions: SP lead VDD pacing is reliable and easy to manage with dependable atriai sensing and ventricular pacing. The significant reduction in atriai postimplantation amplitude is related to the different techniques used for measuring acute and chronic atriai signals.     

"Pseudo-endless Loop" Tachycardia in an AV Universal (DDD) Pacemaker

A 3-beat episode of ventricular arrhythmia was recorded in a patient with an AV universal (DDD) pacemaker. This arrhythmia mimicked "endless loop" tachycardia (ELT) because it appeared following a ventricular premature contraction (VPC), its rate approached the preset upper-rate limit and the regular P waves disappeared during the episode. However, as retrograde conduction was absent ELT could not exist. The mechanism of this arrhythmia was based on a combination of interference by VPC of the regular sequence of this complexes produced by P wave and the pacemaker commitment to maintain an upper rate limit by prolongation of the programmed pacemaker AV delay.     

Successful Treatment of Ventricular Tachycardia by Physiological Pacing

The case is presented of a young patient with atrioventricular (AV) block but no evidence of other disease; in this patient exercise or stress-related syncope continued after implantation of a ventricular inhibited (VVI) pacemaker. Investigation revealed exercise-induced limited rapid multiform ventricular tachycardia (VT) which was associated with faintness or syncope. Temporary atrial triggered ventricular inhibited ventricular (VDD) pacing resulted in enhanced exercise tolerance with no significant arrhythmia. A permanent full function dual chamber [DDD] pacemaker was implanted and prevented the VT. There have been no further exercise-related symptoms during two years 0f follow up.     

Tracking of Atrial Flutter During DDD Pacing: Another Form of Pacemaker-Mediated Tachycardia

Two patients who had DDD pacemakers inserted for symptomatic sick, sinus syndrome developed sustained upper-rate limit pacing. It was demonstrated in these two patients that pacemaker-mediated tachycardia was due to tracking of atrial flutter. DDD pacemakers should be used with caution in patients with the sick sinus syndrome and associated atrial tachyarrhythmias. Medical treatment of recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias may allow patients to remain in the DDD mode.     

Termination of pacemaker endless loop tachycardia by an atrial extrasystole

This article documents the termination of a pacemaker endless loop tachycardia by a critically timed atrial extrasystole. Although predictable electrophysiologically, this mode of termination has not been previously reported. The observation is conceptually important because it provides the final link in establishing the similarity of endless loop tachycardia and spontaneous reentrant AV nodal or junctional tachycardias in terms of initiation and termination by single atrial or ventricular extrasystoles.     

Pacemaker‐Mediated Tachycardia: Manufacturer Specifics and Spectrum of Cases

Pacemaker‐mediated tachycardia (PMT) is the term used to describe a repetitive sequence of sensed retrograde P waves followed by ventricular pacing at or below the maximum tracking rate. The following events can promote atrioventricular (AV) dissociation, retrograde conduction, and the onset of PMT: ventricular or atrial extrasystole, an excessively long programmed AV delay, external interference or myopotentials sensed by the atrial channel, atrial sensing or pacing failure, the absence of postventricular atrial refractory period extension after removal of a magnet, and VDD pacing at a higher rate than sinus rate. In contemporary devices, each manufacturer has a proprietary algorithm to detect and terminate PMT. Because of the increase in the number and complexity of the pacing algorithms and because of manufacturer‐driven differences, a basic understanding of these new algorithms is important for patient care. We review here the main elements of the physiopathology of this type of tachycardia, describe the specific characteristics of the different manufacturers, and present representative clinical cases.     

Single Pass VDD Pacing in Children and Adolescents

Use of a single pass lead for VDD pacing in complete heart block is well described in adults, but there are only brief reports of its use in children. We have used standard adult size single pass leads in 13 children and adolescents aged 3.7–17.2 years (mean 10.1 years) and weighing 13.5–76 kg (mean 34.8 kg). Congenital complete heart block was present in 7 patients, surgical complete heart block in 5 patients and 2:1 AV block of unknown cause in 1 patient. In four patients, the VDD system was their first pacing system. In nine of the patients, 1–6 previous systems had been used and simultaneous extraction of ventricular leads and/or atrial leads was performed. Leads of four different types were used: Brilliant IMPl5Q, Brilliant + IMR15Q, CapSure 5032, and Unipass 425–13 with 4 different generators: Saphir 600, SaphirII620, Thera VDD 8948, and Unity 292–07. At implantation, via a subclavian vein puncture, excess lead was advanced into the right atrium to allow both atrial sensing and slack for further growth. Ventricular thresholds ranged from 0.2–0.7 V. The minimal atrial amplitude was 0.7–4 mV and the maximum amplitude was 2.5–8 mV. There were no complications. Ail patients have maintained adequate atrial signals for reliable pacing with follow up of 3–36 months (mean 17.6 months) during which time some have undergone considerable growth. Beliable atrial synchronous ventricular pacing is possible in growing children with complete heart block using a standard adult single pass lead.     

Use of Automatic Mode Change Between DDD and AAI to Facilitate Native Atrioventricular Conduction in Patients with Sick Sinus Syndrome or Transient Atrioventricular Block

The benefits of the automatic DDD (DDD/AMC) mode in the Chorus II pacemaker (Chorus 6234; Ela Medical Inc.), which automatically switches the modes between DDD and AAI to respect spontaneous AV conduction as much as possible in AAI while preserving safety pacing in DDD during paroxysmal AV block (AVB) only, remain unproven. This study examined the functions of the DDD/AMC mode in 12 patients with sick sinus syndrome (SSS; n = 10) or paroxysmal complete AVB (n = 2). A short-term (24 hours) comparative study between simple DDD mode and the DDD/AMC mode was performed in 8 of the 12 patients, and a medium-term (55.2 ± 54.6 days) follow-up of the DDD/AMC mode was completed in all 12 patients. A comparative pair of 24-hour surface Holter ECGs was obtained in 6 of the 8 patients in the short-term study. Telemetry and built-in Holter histograms were collected in the outpatient clinic in all 12 patients. Although the percentage atrial pacing of the telemetry increased from 59.2 ± 35.4 in DDD to 70.4 ± 31.8 in DDD/AMC (P < 0.009; n = 8), the percentage ventricular pacing decreased from 64.6 ± 37.7 in DDD to 36.2 ± 43.1 in DDD/AMC (P < 0.027) in the short-term study. In particular, the reduction of percentage ventricular pacing to < 10% was observed in four patients with SSS not associated with ± first-degree (1°) AVB on preoperative ECGs. Between the two modes a significant difference in arrhythmic events was not observed by the 24-hour surface Holter ECGS taken from the six patients in the short-term study. AAI-DDD switching associated with automatic modulation of AV delay and AV hysteresis occurred in all patients in the medium-term study. From the medium-term study, the total AV delay (AV delay plus AV hysteresis) exceeded 300 ms in 6 of the 12 patients in DDD/AMC, and usually became longest during nighttime. From the short- or medium-term study in the 12 patients, two patients preferred the DDD/AMC mode while one preferred the DDD mode. These results suggest that the DDD/AMC mode is useful, at least in SSS patients without ≥ 1° AVB, by reducing the percentage ventricular pacing.     

Prevention of Atrial Arrhythmias during DDD Pacing by Atrial Overdrive

We evaluated the effect of atrial overdrive on the incidence of atrial arrhythmias (AA) in 22 patients (67 ± 9 years. 7 women, 15 men) with Chorus 6234 DDD pacemakers. Atrial overdrive was defined as a programmed paced rate 10 ppm faster than the mean ventricular rate stored for the last 24-hour period in the pacemaker memory. The protocol consisted of three phases of 1 month each. Phase I: observation after discontinuation of antiarrhythmic therapy. Phase II: arrhythmia analysis using the pacemaker memory after programming the lower rate to 55 ppm. The fallback function and histogram data were used to document the number and maximal duration of AA episodes as well as the total AA time in a month. Phase III: atrial overdrive. The mean ventricular heart rate was 65 ± 4 beats/min before atrial overdrive versus 75 ± 5 with atrial overdrive (P = 0.02). At the end of phase II, all patients presented with AA episodes (mean number per patient: 42 ± 78 in one month). In phase III (with atrial overdrive), 14 (64.6%) patients had no recorded AA (group A). In the other eight patients with persistent AA episodes in phase III (group B), there was a significant reduction in the number of AA episodes (90 ± 106 in phase II vs 38 ± 87 in phase III; P = 0.01), their total duration (166 ± 115 in phase II vs 92 ± 134 hours in phase HI; P = 0.03) and their maximal duration (121 ± 103 in phase II vs 85 ± 89 min; P = 0.04). Our short-term data suggest tliat atrial overdrive prevents or reduces A A episodes and demonstrate the feasibility and need of long-term studies to determine whether this benefit is sustained.     

Noninvasive Assessment of Ventriculo-Atrial Conduction and Early Experience with the Tachycardia Termination Algorithm in Pacemaker-Mediated Tachycardia

Since the advent of physiologic dual chamber pacing systems, pacemaker-mediated tachycardia (PMT) has occurred and the need for invasive measurement of ventriculo-atrial conduction (VAC) has arisen. The variability in VAC and the potential for PMT often make it necessary to assess for the presence or absence of VAC at different points in time. We noninvasively evaluated 20 pacemaker patients for the presence or absence of VAC. We compared ventriculo-atrial conduction time (VACT) obtained with the atrial sense event maker with that obtained from Holter monitoring and invasive methods. The incidence of spontaneous (S) and induced (I) PMT and the efficacy of the tachycardia termination algorithm (TTA) was assessed. Fourteen of 20 had VAC with invasive or noninvasive methods. Twelve of 19 had PMT (63%); three were sustained (greater than 15 beats). We conclude that VACT assessed with the atrial sense event marker (ASEM) yielded a high correlation when compared to the Holter monitor data obtained utilizing our methodology. PMT is commonly a nonsustained (less than 15 beats) event, and the TTA is effective in sustained PMT. Myopotential sensing, atrial premature contractions and loss of atrial capture are common mechanisms in the initiation of PMT.     

VDD Pacing in Children with Congenital Complete Heart Block: Advantages of a Single Pass Lead

A single pass lead for VDD pacing in complete heart hlock is well descrihed in adults hut there are only brief reports of its use in children. We used standard adult size single pass leads in ten children and adolescents aged 3.7–17.2 years (mean 9.9 years) and weighing 13.5–76 kg (mean 35.4 kg) with congenital complete heart block. One patient had coexisting congenital heart disease and had undergone surgery. A 2:1 atrioventricular hlock in one patient was presumed to he congenital in origin. In four patients, the VDD system was their first pacing system. In six of the patients, 1–4 previous systems had been used and simultaneous extraction of ventricular leads (6) and/or atrial leads (2) was performed. Four different types of lead were used: Brilliant IMP15Q (Vitatron); Brilliant + IMR15Q (Vitatron): Cap-Sure 5032 (Medtronic); and Unipass 425–13 (Intermedics) witb four different generators: Saphir 600 (Vitatron): Saphir II 620 (Vitatron): Thera VDD 8948 (Medtronic): and Unity 292–07 (Intermedics). All leads were introduced via a suhclavian vein puncture and the atrial dipole was placed low in the right atrium to provide slack for further growth while maintaining atrial sensing. Ventricular thresholds ranged from 0.2–0.8 V. The minimal atrial amplitude was 0.7–4 mV and the maximum amplitude was 2.5–8 mV. There was one early microdisplacement and the lead was repositioned. Over a follow-up period ranging from 1–39 months (mean 20.4 months), all patients have maintained low ventricular pacing thresholds and adequate atrial signals for reliable pacing at rest and with exercise. During this time some bave undergone considerahle growth. The patient with coexisting congenital heart disease died suddenly at 3 years, hut the pacing system had no fault at autopsy. The standard adult size single pass lead provides a simple means to enable reliahle atrial synchronous ventricular pacing in growing children with complete heart hlock.     

Pacemaker Mediated Tachycardia as a Complication of the Autointrinsic Conduction Search Function

The autointrinsic conduction search (AICS) option, featured on some DDD pacemakers, performs periodic assessments of atrioventricular (AV) conduction capability during a single beat AV delay extension. Demonstration of ventricular conduction during the prolonged AV delay, permits ongoing AV delay extension if the patient's intrinsic conduction is preferred to ventricular pacing. A case is presented where the wide separation of atrial and ventricular pacing during the conduction search permitted retrograde ventriculoatrial conduction, precipitating pacemaker mediated tachycardia (PMT) on seven occasions in one patient. Two onset patterns are reported, both attributable to the AICS option. Recommendations for prevention strategies are made. (PACE 2004; 27[Pt. I]:824–826)     

Clinical Interest of a Sensor Driven Algorithm Limiting Ventricular Pacing Rate During Supraventricular Tachycardia in Dual Chamber Pacing

A sensor driven algorithm limiting ventricular pacing rate during supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is included in a dual chamber rate modulated pacemaker sensitive to acceleration forces (Relay, 294-03, Intermedics Inc.). According to the intensity of concomitant exercise, the ventricular pacing rate is limited either to the programmed maximum pacing rate (MPR) or to an interim lower limit, called "conditional ventricular tracking limit" (CVTL). The MPR prevails over the CVTL when the sensor calculated pacing rate exceeds the minimal rate by more than 20 beats/mm. The purpose of the study is to determine the clinical safety and efficacy of this algorithm in patients with intermittent SVT. Method: a Relay was implanted in four patients with a bradycardia/tachycardia syndrome and in four patients with complete atrioventricular block (CAVB). All had episodes of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia. The units were programmed in DDDR: rate responsive parameters were adjusted by simulating the rate response during three levels of exercise to let the MPR override the CVTL only during strenuous exercise. Holter monitors and exercise testings were performed at 3-month follow-up. Results: in seven patients, Holter recordings showed Supraventricular arrhythmias at rest with a ventricular pacing rate limited to the CVTL. Appropriate rate increases during exercise testings were also demonstrated. Three devices had to be reprogrammed in DDIR tone patient suffering from nearly permanent atrial flutter and two patients not tolerating the CVTL pacing rate at rest). Conclusion: the CVTL algorithm is effective in protecting against high ventricular pacing rates during Supraventricular arrhythmias. It allows the selection of the DDDR mode even with a high MPR in patients with intermittent SVT.     

Prevention and Termination of Pacemaker- Mediated Tachycardia in a New DDD Pacing System (Siemens-Pacesetter Model 2010T)

The clinical incidence of Pacemaker-Mediated Tachycardia (PMT) has been substantially reduced with the availability of wide range postventricular atrial refractory period (PVARP) programmability in most current technology DDD pacemakers. However, patients may still he at clinical risk for PMT if the PVARP must be reduced to allow higher atrial tracking capability or VA conduction (VAC) is not periodically assessed to ensure adequate PVARP selection. A new DDD pacer (Siemens-Pacesetter Model 2010T) incorporates programmable responses to a sensed PVC to prevent PMT induction due to VAC following a PVC. In each of these responses, the PVAHP is automatically extended to prevent detection of the retrograde P wave, thus preventing the PMT. Additionally, should a PMT occur for reasons other than a PVC, the selected PVARP extension algorithm is periodically invoked to terminate the PMT. This study was conducted to evaluate the operation and clinical benefit of these PVC response functions and PMT termination capabilities. The exact timing operation of the pacer during these responses is also reviewed.     

Modification of the DDD Pacing Mode to Prevent Junctional Reentry Tachycardia: Computer Modelling Experiments

This paper examines the possibility of using short atrioventricular (AV) delay dual chamber pacing to prevent junctional reentry tachycardia mediated by an accessory pathway or by an intra-AV nodal circuit. For this purpose, a clinically realistic computer simulation model of cardiac rhythm and heart-pacemaker interactions has been used. The computational experiments compared the actions of two pacemaker models: (A) a clinically realistic DDD mode operating with quasi-Wenckebach prolongation of the AV delay; and (B) a new modification of the DDD mode introducing independent counters for the atrial and ventricular refractory periods of the heart, and the possibility of instantaneous or shortly delayed atrial pacing triggered by a sensed or paced ventricular event. The pathological phenomena modelled in the experiments simulate different possibilities of tachycardia initiation. These disorders include: (1) single atrial premature beats (APBs), (2) salvos of APBs, (3) closely coupled pairs of APBs, (4) ventricular premature beats initiating an antidromic reentry tachycardia, and (5) ventricular ectopic beats initiating an AV nodal reentry tachycardia. The computational results prove that many possible mechanisms of initiation of junctional reentry tachycardia are beyond the prophylactic capabilities of current sophisticated DDD pacemakers (A). The results also show that the suggested pacing mode (B) improves anti-tachycardia prophylaxis even when responding to complex pathological episodes of the natural cardiac activity. Future development of the suggested mode (B) is discussed.     

Far-field R wave sensing causing prolongation of the atrial escape interval of DDD pacemakers with atrial-based lower rate timing

This report describes the occurrence of prolonged atrial escape intervals (AEI) initiated by sensing of ventricular premature complexes (VPC) without a preceding atrial depolarization or an AV delay in two patients with DDD pacemakers with an atrial-based lower rate response. The prolonged AEIs were due to ventriculoatrial cross-talk so that atrial sensing of the far-field R wave of the VPCs occurred before detection of the R wave by the ventricular channel as a near-field signal. Early atrial sensing of the far-field R wave was promoted by a high atrial sensitivity and/or low ventricular sensitivity and was eliminated by reducing atrial sensitivity and/or increasing ventricular sensitivity. This manifestation of far-field sensing should not be interpreted as malfunction of dual chamber pacemakers with atrial-based lower rate timing.