An appraisal of radioisotope fueled pacemakers after 5 years.

摘要: Summary and Conclusions Personal observation of 131 radioisotope-powered pulse generators in 120 patients over a period 5 years has confirmed the expectations developers. Actuarial survival generator at was 96 percent. There were only two cases component failure (1.5 percent) no battery failures.13 To date there been evident toxicity from radiation effects. The total cost pacing is less with nuclear units than lithium or mercury-zinc powered models. Factors, limiting use pacer are persistence nonbattery problems that require premature reoperation, unavailability truly “modern” generator. Because pacers have proved to be effective, relatively inexpensive, apparently safe, we believe continued clinical justified; manufacturers, however, should modify present by incorporating fully programmable circuits package much reduced size.