Long-Term Technical Performance of the Osypka QT-5^® Ventricular Pacemaker Lead

Abstract

Background: Lead-associated complications and technical issues in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices are common but underreported in the literature. Methods: All patients undergoing implantation of the Osypka QT-5® ventricular lead at the University Clinic St. Pölten between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed (n = 211). Clinical data including pacemaker follow-up examinations and the need for lead revisions were assessed. Kaplan–Meier analysis to estimate the rate of lead dysfunction during long-term follow-up was conducted. Results: Patients were followed for a median of 5.2 years (interquartile range (IQR) 2.0–8.7). R-wave sensing properties at implantation, compared to last follow-up, remained basically unchanged: 9.9 mV (IQR 6.8–13.4) and 9.6 mV (IQR 5.6–12.0), respectively). Ventricular pacing threshold significantly increased between implantation (0.5 V at 0.4 ms; IQR 0.5–0.8) and the first follow-up visit (1.0 V at 0.4 ms; IQR 0.8–1.3; p p p ® ventricular lead was replaced in 36 patients (17.1%). Conclusions: This report shows an unexpected high rate of technical issues of the Osypka QT-5® ventricular lead during long-term follow-up.

Keywords

• pacemaker malfunction
• impedance decline
• reoperation
• lead replacement