Pacing of the Atria in Sick Sinus Syndrome Trial: Preventive Strategies for Atrial Fibrillation

SPITZER, S.G., et al .: Pacing of the Atria in Sick Sinus Syndrome Trial: Preventive Strategies for Atrial Fibrillation. This study examines the effects of various atrial lead positions in physiological pacing on the incidence of AF in patients with sick sinus syndrome. The lead is implanted in the RA free wall, in the RA appendage, near the coronary sinus ostium (CSO) or, in dual site RA pacing, in the appendage and the CSO. Since CSO and dual site right atrial pacing aim at modifying the pathological substrate, pacing of two-thirds of all cardiac cycles is attempted by adapting the basic rate and the rate response option. The results of this study are expected to assist in the development of guidelines for the placement of atrial pacing leads in sick sinus syndrome. (PACE 2003; 26[Pt. II]:268–271)