Advantages of short-lived positron-emitting radioisotopes for intracoronary radiation therapy with liquid-filled balloons to prevent restenosis.

UNLABELLED: Balloon catheters filled with liquid radioisotopes provide excellent dose homogeneity for intracoronary radiation therapy but are associated with risk for rupture or leakage. We hypothesized that the safety of liquid-filled balloons may be improved once positron emitters with half-lives below 2 h are used instead of the high-energy beta-emitters 166Ho, 186Re, or 188Re, all of which have a longer half-life of at least 17 h. METHODS: To support this concept, the suitability of 18F (half-life, 109.8 min), 68Ga (half-life, 67.6 min), 11C (half-life, 20.4 min), 13N (half-life, 9.97 min), and 15O (half-life, 2.04 min) for intracoronary radiation therapy was evaluated. Potential tissue penetration of positron radiation was assessed in a series of phantom experiments using Gafchromic film. Antiproliferative efficacy of positrons emitted by 68Ga was investigated in vitro using cultured bovine aortic smooth muscle cells (BASMCs), and was compared with gamma-radiation emitted by 137Cs. To characterize the remaining risk, we estimated radiotoxicity after accidental intravascular balloon rupture on the basis of tabulated isotope-specific doses (ICRP 53) and compared these values with 188Re. RESULTS: Half-dose depth of tissue penetration measured in phantom experiments was 0.29 mm for 18F, 0.42 mm for 11C, 0.54 mm for 13N, 0.79 mm for 15O, and 0.9 mm for 68Ga. Irradiation of cultured BASMCs with positron radiation (68Ga) induced dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation with complete proliferative arrest at doses exceeding 6 Gy. ED(50) and ED(80) were 2.5 +/- 0.4 Gy (mean +/- SD) and 4.4 +/- 0.8 Gy, respectively. Antiproliferative efficacy was equal to that of the 662-keV gamma-radiation emitted by 137Cs (ED(50), 3.8 +/- 0.2 Gy; ED(80), 8.0 +/- 0.3 Gy). Estimates made for patient whole-body and organ doses were generally below 50 mSv/1.85 GBq for all investigated positron emitters. The same dose estimates for 188Re were 6-20 fold higher. CONCLUSION: Among the studied radioisotopes, 68Ga is the most attractive source for liquid-filled balloons because of its convenient half-life, sufficient positron energy (2.92 MeV), documented antiproliferative efficacy, and uncomplicated availability from a radioisotope generator. The safety profile for 68Ga is significantly better than that of 188Re, which suggests this radioisotope should be evaluated further in preclinical studies.

Septal lead implantation for the reduction of paced QRS duration using passive-fixation leads.

In 120 consecutive patients with standard pacing indications, we tested the feasibility of RV septal lead implantation technique guided by surface ECG and the degree to which this technique reduces paced QRS duration compared to RV apical stimulation when passive-fixation leads are used. During implantation, an ECG was recorded with a paper speed of 100 mm/s using the orthogonal Frank leads, and QRS was measured from the earliest to the latest deflection in any of the Frank leads. Pace-mapping of the septum was performed until QRS was minimal. The lead was attached, where QRS, pacing threshold, lead impedance, and EGM amplitude provided the best compromise. An average of 3.7 +/- 2.5 attempts (range 1-18, median 7) was needed until a final implantation site was found. There were no technical problems during implantation. QRS could be reduced by 5-55 ms (mean delta QRS 19 +/- 11 ms) in 83 (69%) of 120 patients. In 22 (18%) patients, QRS was identical with apical and septal pacing, and in 15 (13%) patients, QRS was 5-20 ms (10 +/- 4) longer despite septal stimulation. Average QRS was significantly shorter during septal pacing compared with apical pacing (151 +/- 20 vs 162 +/- 23 ms, P < 0.001). There was a tendency towards greatest QRS reduction when the high septum was stimulated (22 +/- 11 ms reduction) as compared with mid- (18 +/- 11 ms) or apical parts of the RV septum (16 +/- 10 ms). QRS reduction was most likely if apical QRS width was > 170 ms (P = 0.0002), and there was an inverse correlation between apical QRS and delta QRS (r = 0.53, P < 10(-7)). During a mean follow-up of 14 months, there was no pacing or sensing problem and no lead dislodgment occurred.

Acute and subacute stent occlusion; risk-reduction by ionic contrast media.

AIMS: Current data concerning the influence of X-ray contrast media on the incidence of thrombotic complications in interventional cardiology are controversial. The effect of ionic contrast media on acute (< or =72 h) and subacute (< or =30 days) stent thrombosis has not been investigated. METHODS: Three thousand, nine hundred and ninety consecutive patients underwent coronary stent placement. Group I (n=1808) received non-ionic contrast media while group II (n=2182) was given the ionic Ioxaglate. All patients were treated with a standard regimen of aspirin and ticlopidine for 4 weeks post intervention. RESULTS: Both acute and subacute stent occlusion occurred more frequently in patients receiving non-ionic contrast media compared to ionic contrast media (acute stent occlusion: 1.3% in group I vs 0.3% in group II, P=0.001; subacute stent occlusion: 2.4% in group I vs 0.7% in group II, P=0.001). The incidence of the combined clinical end-point of coronary artery bypass grafting, target lesion revascularization, and overall mortality within 12 months was significantly reduced by the use of Ioxaglate (22.9% vs 16.3%, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based upon these data, we recommend the use of Ioxaglate in coronary interventions when stent placement is anticipated.

Long-term follow-up of a randomized study of primary stenting versus angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction.

PURPOSE: Primary stenting leads to better short-term outcomes than does balloon angioplasty among patients with acute myocardial infarction, but there are no data available on long-term follow-up. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We designed a randomized study with long-term follow-up to compare primary angioplasty with angioplasty accompanied by implantation of a silicon carbide-coated stent in patients within 24 hours after the onset of acute myocardial infarction. All 88 patients had lesions that were suitable for coronary stenting. RESULTS: There were 44 patients in each of the randomization groups. During long-term follow-up (mean +/- SD: 710+/-282 days), primary stenting was associated with a reduction in the combined endpoint of death, reinfarction, or target vessel revascularization (10 [23%] versus 19 [43%], P = 0.03); death (4 [9%] versus 8 [18%], P = 0.18); reinfarction (1 [2%] versus 4 [9%], P = 0.18); and target lesion revascularization (7 [16%] versus 15 [34%], P = 0.04). Rehospitalization due to ischemic events (unstable angina or reinfarction) was also less frequent in the stent group (6 [14%] versus 10 [23%], P = 0.20). CONCLUSION: Primary stenting in acute myocardial infarction is significantly superior to angioplasty alone in both short-term and long-term follow-up.

AAIR versus DDDR pacing in the bradycardia tachycardia syndrome: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover trial.

In 19 patients paced and medicated for bradycardia tachycardia syndrome (BTS), AAIR and DDDR pacing were compared with regard to quality of life (QoL), atrial tachyarrhythmia (AFib), exercise tolerance, and left ventricular (LV)function. Patients had a PQ interval < or = 240 ms during sinus rhythm, no second or third degree AV block, no bundle branch block, or bifascicular block. In DDDR mode, AV delay was optimized using the aortic time velocity integral. After 3 months, QoL was assessed by questionnaires, patients were investigated by 24-hour Holter, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) was performed, and LV function was determined by echocardiography. QoL was similar in all dimensions, except dizziness, showing a significantly lower prevalence in AAIR mode. The incidence of AFib was 12 episodes in 2 patients with AAIR versus 22 episodes in 7 patients with DDDR pacing (P = 0.072). In AAIR mode, 164 events of second and third degree AV block were detected in 7 patients (37%) with pauses between 1 and 4 seconds. During CPX, exercise duration and work load were higher in AAIR than in DDDR mode (423+/-127 vs 402+/-102 s and 103+/-31 vs 96+/-27 Watt, P < 0.05). Oxygen consumption (VO2), was similar in both modes. During echocardiography, only deceleration of early diastolic flow velocity and early diastolic closure rate of the anterior mitral valve leaflet were higher in DDD than in AAI pacing (5.16+/-1.35 vs 3.56+/-0.95 m/s2 and 69.2+/-23 vs 54.1+/-26 mm/s, P < 0.05). As preferred pacing mode, 11 patients chose DDDR, 8 patients chose AAIR. Hence, AAIR and DDDR pacing seem to be equally effective in BTS patients. In view of a considerable rate of high degree AV block during AAIR pacing, DDDR mode should be preferred for safety reasons.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: a critical risk/benefit analysis of patients in intensive care treated with R-hirudin.

Patients in intensive care may be at high risk of in vivo platelet activation because comorbid conditions, such as infections, septicemia, shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and cancer represent procoagulant states. Hyperreactivity of platelets with or without a decline of cell count may result in thromboembolic complications potentially associated with the phenomenon of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. We analyzed the data of 10 patients highly suspected of having heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during their intensive care treatment of 29 plus or minus 22 days. In seven patients, thrombocytopenia coincided with thromboembolic complications. Six patients had additionally undergone fibrinolytic therapy before starting activated partial thromboplastin time-adapted alternative anticoagulation with r-hirudin. In three patients, the platelet count decreased without a clinical manifestation, of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. R-Hirudin treatment monitored by activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time (PT) was effective and safe. The target value for activated partial thromboplastin time was a twofold prolongation. In four of five patients with deep venous thrombosis, a partial recanalization of the lower extremity could be achieved. Three patients with pulmonary embolism associated with deep venous thrombosis in two cases and in one additional case with an acute myocardial infarction did clinically profit from fibrinolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) and r-hirudin treatment. Two lethal events probably caused by the underlying multimorbidity could not be prevented. No recurrence of thrombosis occurred, and there were no severe bleeding complications attributed to r-hirudin treatment. Platelet counts were significantly reduced on day 9.4 plus or minus 6.4 of heparin administration in all cases (>50% decrease related to the initial values) from 224,000 plus or minus 126,000/microL to 96,000 plus or minus 61,000/microL, and increased during rhirudin treatment to mean values of 224,000 plus or minus 126,000/microL. The heparin-induced platelet activation assay (HIPAA) assay was positive in 8/10 cases, whereas the PF4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed a positive result in four of eight analyzed cases. In four cases, the assays were concordantly positive. The PF4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was not performed in two cases.

Experimental validation of a new coronary guide wire labeled with rubidium 81/krypton 81m for continuous assessment of myocardial blood flow.

BACKGROUND: The rubidium 81/krypton 81m method was suggested for assessment of myocardial blood flow (MBF) three decades ago. This study investigates the novel concept of using 81Rb-/81mKr-labeled coronary guide wires with wire-attached 81Rb activity and diffusable 81mKr gas for assessment of lesion-specific impairment of MBF by evaluation of the 81Rb/81mKr activity ratio. The feasibility of wire production is tested, and application of the method is investigated in the canine model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Conventional coronary guide wires for angioplasty (0.014 in) were labeled with radioactive 81Rb/81mKr by ion bombardment of the wire tip. A total of 16 of the 18 wires labeled in series showed successful 81Rb fixation in combination with free 81mKr gas diffusability during quality control measurements. The suitability of the wires to assess MBF in combination with an external gamma ray detector was investigated in open-chested dogs. Electromagnetic measurement of coronary blood flow (CBF) was used as reference, providing a signal that is directly linked to volumetric MBF. The 81Rb/81mKr ratio tracked changes in CBF reliably in all 6 dogs. The found linear dependence of measured 81Rb/81mKr count rates on measured CBF supports the modeling assumptions made to apply the theoretic basis of the 81Rb/81mKr technique to 81Rb-labeled coronary guide wires. CONCLUSION: 81Rb-/81mKr-labeled coronary guide wires provide a signal that indicates volumetric MBF directly. This unique capability may qualify the technique as a valuable tool for research purposes and as an attractive method for invasive cardiology at centers where the logistic arrangements for short-lived isotope supply are provided.

[Morphological changes in correlation with so-called idiopathic ventricular tachycardias from the right ventricular outflow tract]. / Morphologische Veränderungen im Zusammenhang mit sogenannten idiopathischen Kammertachykardien aus dem rechtsventrikulären Ausflusstrakt.

"Idiopathic" ventricular tachycardia is an exclusion diagnosis. The underlying reasons and mechanisms of "idiopathic" ventricular tachycardias are still not completely understood. Recent investigations showed a high prevalence of morphological abnormalities in the right ventricle of patients with "idiopathic" ventricular tachycardia out of the right ventricular outflow tract, which could often be correlated with the origin of the ventricular tachycardia. These described abnormalities were not uniform. Here we report about a patient suffering from drug-refractory "idiopathic" ventricular tachycardia for 10 years. This is the first report in which the origin of an "idiopathic" ventricular tachycardia could be localized by right-ventricular angiography, magnetic resonance tomography and electrophysiological study in the area of an interventricular septal thickening of the right ventricular outflow tract and cured by radiofrequency catheter ablation.

[Drug and electrical therapy of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias]. / Medikamentöse und elektrische Therapie supraventrikulärer Tachyarrhythmien.

This article reviews current pharmacological and electrical approaches to the restoration of sinus rhythm in patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Spontaneous conversion to sinus rhythm occurs in a high proportion of atrial fibrillation of < 24 h duration. Among patients presenting with atrial fibrillation, which was clinically estimated to have lasted < 48 h, the likelihood of cardioversion-related clinical thromboembolism is low, which supports the current practice of early cardioversion without anticoagulation. Antiarrhythmic drugs effective in terminating atrial fibrillation of short duration are those which possess class IA, IC and III properties. Electrical transthoracic cardioversion by using different electrode positions and additional pressure over the electrodes during shock delivery is a highly effective and well-tolerated method in restoration of sinus rhythm even in patients under conscious sedation. Immediate spontaneous reinitiation of atrial fibrillation can occur in a significant proportion of patients undergoing electrical cardioversion and can be reduced after a pretreatment with antiarrhythmic drugs. In patients with failed external cardioversion, internal low energy cardioversion offers an effective option for restoring sinus rhythm. After cardioversion in a high proportion of patients antiarrhythmic drugs are necessary to prevent atrial fibrillation from recurring. A serial cardioversion approach can prevent the evolution of permanent atrial fibrillation in a subgroup of patients. Overdrive atrial pacing is an effective and minimally invasive procedure for termination of atrial flutter. The acute administration of class IA, IC and III antiarrhythmic drugs increases the success rate of this method in restoring sinus rhythm.

Comparative rest and exercise hemodynamics of 23-mm stentless versus 23-mm stented aortic bioprostheses.

BACKGROUND: The hemodynamic superiority of stentless valves at rest has been generally accepted, but there is a lack of studies on exercise hemodynamics. METHODS: We assessed aortic valve hemodynamics at rest and during exercise in 10 patients with a 23-mm stentless aortic bioprosthesis (Medtronic Freestyle; Medtronic Europe SA/NV, St. Stevens Woluwe, Belgium), in 10 patients with a 23-mm stented aortic bioprosthesis (Carpentier-Edwards, SAV, model 2650; Baxter Edwards AG, Horw, Switzerland), and in 10 healthy volunteers (control group) by means of Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: Gradients at rest and gradients on comparable maximum exercise levels were significantly lower in patients with stentless valves compared to those with stented valves (rest: 6 +/- 2/11 +/- 4 mm Hg [mean/peak] versus 12 +/- 3/21 +/- 10 mm Hg; exercise: 9 +/- 3/18 +/- 6 mm Hg [mean/peak] versus 22 +/- 8/40 +/- 11 mm Hg). Patients with stentless valves revealed, in comparison to healthy young men, significantly higher gradients, but the small gradient difference of 3/7 mm Hg (mean/peak) at rest remained nearly unchanged throughout the exercise protocol (4/8 mm Hg [mean/peak] at 25 W, 4/9 mm Hg at 50 W and 4/9 mm Hg at 75 W). In contrast, the gradient difference between patients with stented and stentless valves increased significantly from one exercise level to the next (6/12 mm Hg [mean/peak] at rest, 8/14 mm Hg at 25 W, 12/17 mm Hg at 50 W, and 15/25 mm Hg at 75 W). CONCLUSIONS: A stentless aortic bioprosthesis seems to be an appropriate aortic valve substitute, especially in patients who perform regular physical exercise.

Evolution of an active fixation atrial pacing lead.

UNLABELLED: Three bipolar atrial pacing leads from one manufacturer differing in a single electrode design characteristic were compared. Each lead had nonretractable screw and a microporous electrode tip made of activated carbon. Model S84F had a tip surface area of 8 mm2. In model S44F, the tip surface area was reduced to 4 mm2 by insulation of the screw, and in model BS45D, steroid elution was added to the 4 mm2 tip. Ten patients in each group received identical pulse generators. During implantation, atrial potentials (5.4 +/- 2.0, 4.2 +/- 2.0, 4.6 +/- 2.1 mV), pacing thresholds at 0.5 ms (0.47 +/- 0.14, 0.41 +/- 0.15, 0.55 +/- 0.33 V) and lead impedance at 2.5 V/0.5 ms (515 +/- 80, 575 +/- 152, 546 +/- 131 omega) were comparable among groups. The early postoperative threshold peak was significantly lower with the BS45D than with the S84F and S44F lead models. One year after implantation, charge threshold was significantly lower with the BS45D lead than with the S84F and the S44F model (0.34 +/- 0.11 vs. 0.68 +/- 0.20 and 0.56 +/- 0.21 microC; P < 0.05). Lead impedance at 2.5 V/0.5 ms (557 +/- 90, 549 +/- 36, 524 +/- 72 omega) and atrial sensing (4.3 +/- 2.1, 4.7 +/- 1.9, 4.7 +/- 0.9 mV) were not significantly different. One year postimplant, current drain of the pacing system was measured by pacemaker telemetry at chronic output settings in AAI mode/70 beats/min. Battery current measured among the three atrial lead models did not differ significantly (S84F: 11.9 +/- 0.90, S44F: 12.2 +/- 1.8, BS45D: 11.5 +/- 0.26 microA). IN CONCLUSION: reduction of the tip surface area by insulation of the screw did not improve pacing performance. Addition of steroid elution to the 4 mm2 tip significantly lowered the early threshold peak and the long-term pacing threshold. Lowering of the pacing threshold, however, did not lower the current drain of the pacing system.

Effect of X-ray contrast media on blood flow properties after coronary angiography.

In vitro studies suggest that ionic and nonionic X-ray contrast media have different effects on rheological parameters. The risk of thrombotic complications in coronary interventions was reported to be lower using ionic contrast media. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of different types of contrast media on rheological parameters after coronary angiography. Sixty patients were randomized to four groups: ioxaglate 320 (dimeric, ionic, n = 18), iomeprol 400 (monomeric, nonionic, n = 12), iobitridol 350 (monomeric, nonionic, n = 12), and iodixanol 320 (dimeric, nonionic, n = 18). Blood samples were collected via the side port of the arterial sheath immediately before and at the end of coronary angiography. In our study, all types of contrast media caused a significant decrease in haematocrit (Hct), plasma viscosity (PV), erythrocyte aggregation (EA), and in the platelet reactivity index (PRI). The most pronounced decrease in Hct was found using the ionic dimer ioxaglate. There were no significant differences between the contrast media with respect to their effects on PV, EA, and PRI.

AV conduction with atrial rate adaptive pacing in the bradycardia tachycardia syndrome.

AV conduction with atrial rate adaptive pacing (AAIR) during exercise was investigated in 43 patients (28 men, 15 female, mean age 68 +/- 7 years) who were paced and medicated with antiarrhythmic drugs for the bradycardia tachycardia syndrome (BTS). Patients were included if they had no second- or third-degree AV block, no complete bundle branch or bifascicular block, and a PQ interval < or = 240 ms during sinus rhythm at rest. The interval between the atrial spike and the following Q wave (SQ) was measured in the supine position at rest (R) with maximum AAI pacing rate (Fmax) achieved below the Wenckebach point (SQ-R-Fmax). Bicycle ergometry was performed using the Chronotropic Assessment Exercise Protocol, and AAI pacing rate was increased stepwise by programming load-adapted increments. Seven patients showed intrinsic rhythm during exercise. In those 36 patients who were atrially paced throughout ergometry (E), SQ was measured with 70 beats/min on the lowest CAEP stage (SQ-E-70) and with Fmax at maximum work load (SQ-E-Fmax). During exercise, no second-degree AV block was observed, but 28 of 36 patients (78%) showed a nonphysiological increase of the SQ interval, and the average SQ-E-Fmax was significantly longer than SQ-E-70 (250 +/- 31 versus 228 +/- 32 ms, P < 0.01). There was only a weak correlation between SQ-R-Fmax and SQ-E-Fmax (r = 0.35824, P < 0.05). When Fmax obtained during exercise was kept during recovery, 14 patients (39%) developed a second-degree AV block between 15 and 240 seconds after ergometry, 8 patients within 90 seconds. Patients who had exhibited a P on T wave in the ECG with Fmax at the end of exercise (11 of 36 patients) were reevaluated by Doppler echocardiography. Using the same exercise protocol and identical, load-adapted rate increments, only 3 of 11 patients showed premature mitral valve closure. It is concluded that patients paced and medicated for BTS are prone to a nonphysiological prolongation of AV conduction with AAIR pacing during and after exercise. As this risk can hardly be predicted by rapid atrial pacing at rest, the pacing system should be dual chamber in this subset of patients. This especially applies to the patients in whom mechanical AV timing is affected by the conduction delay.

Bipolar ventricular far-field signals in the atrium.

In an attempt to evaluate the prevalence and predisposing factors of bipolar ventricular far-field oversensing, 57 patients were studied who had a Medtronic dual chamber pacemaker implanted (models 7940: n = 6; 7960i: n = 41; 401: n = 3; 8968i: n = 7) and bipolar atrial leads with a dipole spacing from 8.6 to 60 mm attached to various parts of the atrial wall (lateral/anterior: n = 30; appendage: n = 10; atrial septum: n = 10; floating: n = 7). Median bipolar sensing threshold for P waves was 4.0 mV (2.8-4.0 mV, lower and upper quartile) with standard leads and 0.35 (0.25-1.4) mV with single pass (VDD) devices. At the highest sensitivity available, 43 of 50 DDD pacemakers but only two of seven VDD systems detected intrinsic R waves in the atrium (P < 0.01). Ventricular far-field oversensing occurred at 0.5 mV in 28 (56%) and at 1.0 mV in 16 of 50 DDD units (32%), respectively, and there was one observation in a septal implant at a sensitivity of even 2.8 mV. With ventricular pacing, VDD systems were as susceptible to far-field signals as DDD pacemakers. Outside the postventricular blanking period (100 ms), evoked R waves were detected by 27 of 57 systems (47%) at maximum atrial sensitivity, by 10 (18%) at 0.5 mV, and by 2 (4%) at a setting of 1.0 up to 1.4 mV, respectively. There was no definite superiority of any lead position, there was a trend in favor of the atrial free wall for better intrinsic R wave rejection, but just the opposite was the case for paced ventricular beats. Bipolar signal discrimination tended to be higher with short tip-to-ring spacing (1 7.8 mm) but the difference to larger dipole lengths (30-60 mm) was not significant in terms of the R to P wave ratio and the overall far-field susceptibility. In summary, bipolar ventricular far-field oversensing in the atrium is common with short postventricular blanking times and high atrial sensitivity settings that may be warranted for tachyarrhythmia detection and mode switching. A potentially more discriminant effect of shorter dipole lengths (< or = 10 mm) remains to be tested.

Five-year follow-up of a bipolar steroid-eluting ventricular pacing lead.

Steroid-eluting pacing leads are known to attenuate the threshold peaking early after implantation. Long-term performance, however, is not yet settled. The lead design tested in this prospective study combines a 5.8-mm2 tip of microporous platinum-iridium with elution of 1.0 mg of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and tines for passive fixation (model 5024, Medtronic Inc.). In 50 patients (mean age 69 +/- 10 years), the electrode was implanted in the right ventricular apex. Follow-up was performed on days 0, 2, 5, 10, 28, 90, 180 and every 6 months thereafter for 5-years postimplant. At each visit, pacing thresholds were determined as pulse duration (ms) at 1.0 V and as the minimum charge (microC) delivered for capture. Lead impedance (omega) was telemetered at 2.5 V-0.50 ms, and sensing thresholds (mV) were measured in triplicate using the automatic sensing threshold algorithm of the pacemaker implanted (model 294-03, Intermedics Inc.). On the day of implantation, mean values were 0.10 +/- 0.03 ms, 0.12 +/- 0.03 microC, 758 +/- 131 omega, and 13.1 +/- 1.8 mV, respectively. Beyond 1-year postimplant, pacing thresholds did not vary significantly. Sensing thresholds and lead impedance values were stable during long-term follow-up. Five years after implantation, mean values were 0.23 +/- 0.11 ms, 0.24 +/- 0.07 microC, 670 +/- 139 omega, and 11.6 +/- 3.1 mV for pulse width and charge threshold, lead impedance, and sensing threshold, respectively, and all leads captured at 1.0 V with the longest pulse duration available (1.50 ms). It is concluded that the bipolar steroid-eluting tined ventricular lead showed stable stimulation thresholds, lead impedance values, and sensing thresholds for 5 years after implantation.