Variation in Lead Impedance according to Pacemaker Analyzing Systems

Abstract

Background: The pacing lead system is electrically evaluated by a pacing system analyzer (PSA) during device implantation. However, it remains unknown whether measured data vary according to the PSA or the implantable device. We estimated differences in lead impedance measured by different PSAs and devices using a laboratory model. Methods: Five pacing and 3 defibrillation leads were used. We fixed the lead tip to a piece of meat immersed in physiologic saline and measured lead impedance using 4 PSA and 13 implantable device models. Results: The mean impedance of the 5 pacing leads as measured by PSAs was 735 to 611 ohms and the difference between the maximum and minimum values was 126 ohm. The maximum difference according to PSAs was 222 ohm. The mean impedance of the 5 pacing leads as measured by the implantable generators was 770 to 606 ohms, the difference was 175 ohms and the maximum difference was 309 ohms. The 3 defibrillation lead impedances varied from 427 to 1091 ohms and the mean impedance was 706 to 557 ohms. The differences were 149 ohm as measured by the PSAs and 157 ohms by the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) generators. The maximum differences were 241 ohms by the PSAs and 281 ohms by the ICD generators. Conclusion: Lead impedance varied according to analyzing systems.

Keywords

• Pacing system analyzer (PSA)
• Pacemaker
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D)
• Lead
• Variation