Temperature-controlled Rate Responsive Pacing with the Aid of an Optimized Algorithm

On the basis of earlier studies of the behavior of the central venous blood temperature at rest and during exercise, we have developed an algorithm for the rate control of cardiac pacemakers. The central venous blood temperature serves as the control variable for the pacing rate. Control is effected via two different characteristic lines that relate pacing rate and temperature. A rest characteristic line relates absolute temperature values to heart rate and exercise lines relate relative changes in temperature to heart rate changes. The rest characteristic corresponds to conditions of slow temperature fluctations (e.g., fever and temperature changes due to circardian rhythm) and has a slope of 15 to 20 bpm per centigrade degree of temperature change. Starting at this rest characteristic, there are exercise characteristic lines that have a much greater slope and serve to regulate the pacing rate under exercise conditions. The two characteristics are distinguished via the temperature change per unit of time. In addition, a return characteristic connects the rest and exercise characteristics. This algorithm allows for optimized rate adaption of physiological cardiac pacemakers by central venous blood temperature. Clinical studies with the implanted device (Intermedics Nova MR) prove the correct function and beneficial effect of this algorithm in patients' everyday life.