The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 27, 270-283, Copyright © 1979 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Cardiac pacing
NP Smyth
The basic electrophysiology of temporary and permanent cardiac pacing is
reviewed, as are the indications, the types of pacing systems, and the
methods of implantation. Recent developments in power sources and leads are
described. The mercury-zinc battery is now obsolete and is being replaced
by lithium, rechargeable, and isotopic power systems. While ventricular
pacing continues to be the standard, a brief review of atrial programmed
systems is given, including atrial pacing and atrioventricular synchronized
and atrioventricular sequential pacing. Conventional pacing is aimed at the
control of symptomatic bradycardia. Brief reference is made to experimental
pacing systems designed to control ventricular or supraventricular
tachyarrhythmias.