Histological findings around electrodes in pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients: comparison of steroid-eluting and non-steroid-eluting electrodes.

摘要

AIMS: To analyse histological findings surrounding the electrodes in pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (PM/ICD) patients. To compare histology around steroid-eluting and non-steroid ventricular pacing electrodes. METHODS AND RESULTS: In autopsied PM/ICD patients histopathological findings around the electrodes were determined. Seventy patients were studied, PM(58), ICD(12), mean age 75.1 +/- 9.3 years. The implantation-death interval was 4.0 +/- 3.3 years. Most causes of death were cardiac (PM 52%, ICD 58%). The majority of atrial electrodes were attached to the endocardium and most ventricular electrodes were found in the myocardium (P