Achilles' Lead: Will Pacemakers Break Free?
N Engl J Med. 2015 Nov 9;
Authors: Link MS
Abstract
Pacemaker leads, which connect the chest-wall generator of a pacemaker to the pacing electrode in the heart, are the "Achilles' heel" of pacing and defibrillation systems. Over time, they wear out, which often necessitates their risky removal and replacement. In addition, transvenous leads provide a portal into the vascular space, which increases the risk of infection. Patients with traditional pacemakers and defibrillators are also susceptible to hematomas and pocket infections in the chest wall where the generators lie. Thus, a self-contained leadless pacemaker that can be placed directly into the heart is an appealing prospect. Reports of two recent nonrandomized, . . .
PMID: 26551666 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]