Implantation of a Permanent Tined Endocardial Electrode into Right Atrium during Open-heart Surgery: Report of 3 Cases

Given concerns regarding electrode fixation and risk of dislodgement, transvenous implantation of a tined endocardial electrode into the right atrium is considered difficult in patients who require permanent atrial pacing following cardiac surgery. Implantation of a tined endocardial electrode into the right atrium was performed intraoperatively for 3 patients who required implantation of a permanent atrial electrode during the cardiac operation. This technique yielded excellent results during the mean follow-up period of 65 months, with low stimulation thresholds (mean 2.85 P), sufficiently high sensing thresholds (mean 2.23 μJ) and stable lead impedances (mean 491.7 ohm). This technique offers a useful and secure method for patients with preoperative bradycardial arrhythmias who require implantation of a permanent atrial electrode during open-heart surgery.