Spanish Pacemaker Registry. 17th Official Report of the Section on Cardiac Pacing of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (2019)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

This report describes Spanish cardiac pacing activity during 2019: quantities and types of devices and demographic and clinical factors.

METHODS

The analysis is based on data obtained from the European Pacemaker Patient Identification Card, data submitted to the online platform cardiodispositivos.es, and supplier-reported data on the total number of implanted pacemakers.

RESULTS

Information was received on 15 833 procedures from 102 implantation centers, representing 39% of the estimated total activity. The implantation rates of conventional and resynchronization pacemakers were 832 and 32 units per million population, respectively. A total of 431 leadless pacemakers were implanted. Most implantations were performed in elderly patients (mean age, 78.7 years). Most electrodes were bipolar and with active fixation and 34.1% were magnetic resonance imaging-compatible. Atrioventricular block was the most common electrocardiographic abnormality. Dual-chamber sequential pacing predominated; nonetheless, up to 20% of patients in sinus rhythm received a single-chamber ventricular pacemaker, mainly those older than 80 years of age and women. Remote monitoring capability was present in 41% of cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers and in 14.8% of conventional pacemakers.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of pacing generators increased by 1.6%, mainly due to a 15.1% increase in cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers. Sequential pacing predominates; its use is influenced by age and sex. Remote monitoring increased by 20.6% in cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers and continues to be scarce in conventional pacemakers.

Spanish Pacemaker Registry. 15th Official Report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiac Pacing (2017)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

This report describes the data reported to the Spanish Pacemaker Registry concerning the activity in cardiac pacing in 2017 in Spain.

METHODS

The analysis is based on the data obtained from the European Pacemaker Identification Card and the information reported by supplier companies related to global number of implanted pacemakers.

RESULTS

Information was received from 106 hospitals, with a total of 12672 cards, representing the 32.1% of the total pacing activity. Conventional pacemaker and resynchronization pacemaker rate was 820 units/million and 26 units/million inhabitants respectively. A total of 333 leadless pacemakers were implanted. The mean age was 77.9 years, predominantly men (58.5%). Most electrodes were bipolar, with active fixation and only 20% had magnetic resonance protection. Atrioventricular block was the most common electrocardiographic disturb. Most patients received bicameral sequential pacing although single chamber VVIR pacing was used in up to 21.8% of patients. Patients older than 80 years benefited less from physiological pacing and resynchronization therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Total use of pacemaker generators remains stable with respect to 2016. Age is the main factor that influences pacing mode selection, which could be improved in around 22% of patients. Leadless pacing continues to rise.

Spanish Pacemaker Registry. 14th Official Report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiac Pacing (2016)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

This report describes the results of analysis of implanted pacemakers reported to the Spanish Pacemaker Registry.

METHODS

The analysis was based on information provided by the European Pacemaker Identification Card.

RESULTS

Information was received from 115 hospitals, with a total of 12 697 cards, representing 32.3% of the estimated activity. Use of conventional and resynchronization pacemakers was 818 and 79 units per million inhabitants, respectively. A total of 200 leadless pacemakers were implanted. The mean age of the patients receiving an implant was 77.8 years, and 52% of devices were implanted in persons older than 80 years. In all, 74.9% were first implants and 23.4% corresponded to generator exchange. Endocardial leads were bipolar, 82.9% with active fixation, and 16.1% had magnetic resonance imaging protection. Most patients received bicameral sequential pacing, although single chamber pacing VVI(R) was used in 26.7% of the patients with sick sinus syndrome and in 23.8% of those with atrioventricular block, despite sinus rhythm.

CONCLUSIONS

Total use of pacemaker generators in Spain has increased by 1.6% compared with 2015. Most implanted leads have active fixation and less than 20% have magnetic resonance imaging protection. Age and sex directly influenced pacing mode selection, which could be improved in around 32% of patients.

Spanish Pacemaker Registry. Thirteenth Official Report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiac Pacing (2015)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

We describe the results of the analysis of the devices implanted and conveyed to the Spanish Pacemaker Registry in 2015.

METHODS

The report is based on the processing of information provided by the European Pacemaker Patient Identification Card.

RESULTS

We received information from 111 hospitals, with a total of 12 555 cards, representing 32.1% of all the estimated activity. The use of conventional generators and resynchronization devices was 820 and 73 units per million population, respectively. The mean age of the patients receiving an implantation was 77.7 years, and more than 50% of the devices were implanted in patients over 80 years of age. Overall, 58.6% of the implants and 58.8% of the replacements were performed in men. All of the endocardial leads employed were bipolar, 81.5% had an active fixation system, and 16.5% were compatible with magnetic resonance. Although dual chamber sequential pacing continues to be more widespread, pacing with VVI/R mode is used because up to 23.8% of the patients with sinus node disease are in sinus rhythm, as are 24.1% of those with atrioventricular block.

CONCLUSIONS

The total use of pacemaker generators in Spain has increased by about 5% with respect to 2014. The majority of the leads implanted are of active fixation, and less than 20% are protected from magnetic resonance. The factors directly related to the selection of pacing mode are age and sex. In around 20% of patients, the choice of the pacing mode could be improved.

Spanish Pacemaker Registry. Twelfth Official Report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiac Pacing (2014)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

This report describes the results of the analysis of pacemaker implant and replacement data submitted to the Spanish Pacemaker Registry in 2014, with special reference to pacing mode selection.

METHODS

The report is based on the processing of information provided by the European Pacemaker Patient Identification Card.

RESULTS

Information was received from 117 hospitals, with a total of 12 358 cards, representing 34% of estimated activity. Use of conventional generators and resynchronization devices was 784 and 64.4 units per million population, respectively. The mean age of patients receiving an implant was 77.3 years. Men received 59% of implants and 56.4% of replacements. Most patients receiving generator implants and replacements were in the age range 80 to 89 years. Most endocardial leads used were bipolar, and 84.2% had an active fixation system. Pacing was in VVI/R mode despite being in sinus rhythm in 24.7% of patients with sick sinus syndrome and 24% of those with atrioventricular block.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of pacemaker generators and resynchronization devices per million population continued to increase. Most implanted leads had active fixation and approximately 20% had magnetic resonance imaging protection. Age and sex directly influenced pacing mode selection, which could have been improved in more than 20% of cases.

Implant rates of cardiac implantable electrical devices in Europe: A systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

In recent years, indications for cardiac implantable electrical devices (CIEDs) have broadened; however, budget constraints can significantly impact patient access to these life-saving health technologies.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic literature review on the implant rates of pacemakers, cardioverter-defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices in Europe over the last decade to provide insight into the possible reasons for differences across regions or countries.

METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched to find studies describing CIED implant rates in Europe. Fifty-eight studies were included.

RESULTS

An overview showed a recent rise in CIED implants, with large geographic differences. The ratio between the regions with the highest and lowest implant rates within the same country ranged between 1.3 and 3.4 for pacemakers and between 1.7 and 44.0 for defibrillators. The ratio between the countries with the highest and lowest implant rates ranged between 2.3 and 87.5 for pacemakers, between 3.1 and 1548.0 for defibrillators, and between 4.1 and 221.0 for resynchronization therapy devices. Implant rate variability appears to be influenced by health care, economic, demographic, and cultural factors.

CONCLUSION

Publications on CIED implant rates in Europe show a wide variability within and across countries, the determinants of which are only partially investigated. Policy making should improve regarding equity of access to better care.

Spanish Pacemaker Registry. Eleventh official report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiac Pacing (2013)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The present report summarizes the analysis of pacemaker implantation and replacement data sent to the Spanish Pacemaker Registry in 2013, with specific discussion of pacing mode selection.

METHODS

This study was based on information obtained from the European Pacemaker Patient Identification Card.

RESULTS

Information was received on 118 hospital centers, with a total of 12 831 cards, or 35% of the estimated activity. There were 755 and 58.1 conventional and resynchronization devices per million population, respectively. The mean age of patients receiving an implant was 77.4 years. Men received 59.5% of first implantations and 56.6% of replacements. Most implantations and generator replacements were performed in patients older than 80 years. Almost all endocardial leads used were bipolar, and 78.7% of leads had an active fixation mechanism. Despite being in sinus rhythm, 24% of patients with sick sinus syndrome and 25% of those with atrioventricular block were paced in VVIR mode.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of pacemaker generators and resynchronization devices per million population continues to increase in Spain. Active fixation mechanisms predominate for leads but just 20% of leads are compatible with magnetic resonance imaging. The factors influencing the correct selection of pacing mode were age and, to a lesser extent, the type of atrioventricular block, and sex. Implementation of home monitoring of pacemakers remains low.

Spanish pacemaker registry. 10th official report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiac Pacing (2012)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to analyze the pacemaker implantations and replacements reported to the Spanish Pacemaker Registry in 2012 with special reference to the selection of pacing modes.

METHOD

The analysis was based on information provided by the European Pacemaker Patient Identification Card.

RESULTS

Data were received from 115 hospitals, with a total of 12 856 cards. An estimated 745.8 pacemaker generators and 53.1 resynchronization devices were implanted per million population. Active fixation leads were implanted in more than 70% of the patients; of these leads, more than 20% were safe for use with magnetic resonance. The most common electrocardiographic indication for pacemaker implantation was atrioventricular block (56%). In all, 28% of the patients with sick sinus syndrome were paced in VVIR mode.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of conventional pacemakers remained stable, whereas the implantation of resynchronization devices increased. Active fixation leads are now employed in most patients. The findings of this study confirm the higher incidence of implantation in men and at an earlier age due to the higher rate of conduction disorders. Age is a factor that influences the choice of the appropriate pacing mode.

Spanish Pacemaker Registry. Ninth official report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiac Pacing (2011)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

To describe the results of the analysis of pacemaker implantations reported to the Spanish Pacemaker Registry in 2011, with particular reference to the population distribution and the selection of pacing modes.

METHODS

Information provided by the European Pacemaker Patient Identification Card was processed using a purpose-built computer application.

RESULTS

Data from 115 hospitals were analyzed, totaling 13,373 cards, representing an estimated 38% of implantations. The number of pacemaker generators and resynchronization devices implanted was 738 and 56.2 units per million population, respectively. The mean age of the patients who received a device was 76.7 years. Overall, 57.2% of first implantations and 56.5% of replacements were performed in men. Most implantations (38.7%) and generator replacements (41.9%) were performed in patients aged between 80 and 89 years. Of the pacemaker leads used, 99.7% were bipolar and 63% used an active fixation system. Overall, 20% of the patients with atrioventricular block or sick sinus syndrome were paced in VVI/R mode despite being in sinus rhythm.

CONCLUSIONS

With respect to previous years, the use of conventional pacemakers remained stable and the implantation of resynchronization devices has increased. The number of implantation procedures continues to be higher in men and in younger patients. Age and the degree of blockage remain as factors influencing the appropriate choice of pacing mode.

Spanish Pacemaker Registry. Seventh official report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiac Pacing (2009)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

This article describes the finding of an analysis of all pacemaker implants reported to the Spanish Pacemaker Registry in 2009. Particular attention is paid to patients' demographic characteristics and to the pacing modes selected for various electrocardiographic indications.

METHODS

The information provided by the European Pacemaker Identification Card was analyzed using a specially developed computer program.

RESULTS

Data were received from 106 centers, covering a total of 11,939 cards and corresponding to 35% of all pacemakers implanted. The average age of patients receiving pacemakers was 76.6 years. Overall, 58.4% of pacemakers were implanted in men. The largest number of electrocardiographic indications for a pacemaker was for third-degree atrioventricular block, which comprised 56% of all atrioventricular blocks. The VVIR pacing mode was used for 24.0% of patients with sick sinus syndrome and 23.5% with atrioventricular block. Over 50% of leads employed an active fixation system, and 65% were placed in the atrium.

CONCLUSIONS

The trend of increasing pacemaker use continued in 2009, reaching 729 units per million population. Pacemaker implantation was more frequent in males, who received them at a slightly younger age than women. Age was a more significant determinant of inappropriate pacing mode selection than electrocardiographic abnormalities. Active fixation of pacemaker leads was used in more than 50% of cases.

Spanish pacemaker registry. 6th official report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiac Pacing (2008)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

This article describes the findings of an analysis of data on pacemaker implantations and replacements reported to the Spanish Pacemaker Registry during 2008.

METHODS

The data came primarily from information recorded on European Pacemaker Patient Identification Cards.

RESULTS

Data were received from 116 hospital units, which submitted a total of 11,855 identification cards representing 36.3% of all pacemakers implanted. There was a marked increase in the number of pacemaker units used, which rose to a rate of 708.3 per million inhabitants. The frequency of pacemaker implantation increased and the mean age of male patients decreased. The largest number of implantations were carried out in patients in their 70s, who comprised 39.1% of the total. The most frequent electrocardiographic indication was atrioventricular block. With regard to pacing leads, active fixation leads were used in the atrium in 59.3% of cases and in the ventricle in 37.9% of cases. There was an improvement in the choice of pacing mode, with age being a determining factor. For example, in sick sinus syndrome, the VVI/R mode was used in a 29% of patients aged over 80 years compared with 14% of those aged under 80 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Age was found to be one factor influencing the selection of the most appropriate pacing mode. Active fixation leads were used more often, reaching 44.5% of leads implanted. Atrioventricular pacing was used in a greater percentage of cases than in any other time period covered by the pacemaker registry.

Pacemaker-based analysis of atrioventricular conduction and atrial tachyarrhythmias in patients with primary sinus node dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Most patients with symptomatic sinus node disease (SND) receive DDDR pacemakers (PM) in order to cover SND and atrioventricular (AV) block from the outset. But the concern about adverse effects of right ventricular pacing (RVP) is increasing. So far, data on the incidence of AV block in SND are based on clinical events. The study undertakes to assess and appraise AV block and atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) from memory and electrograms of a dual-chamber PM set to an AAIR-DDDR switch mode (AAISafeR).

METHODS

A dual-chamber PM incorporating the AAISafeR mode was implanted in 58 patients (70 +/- 10 years, 28 males) with SND, but without AV block >I. AV block and AT episodes were retrieved from the PM memory and validated from electrograms. AV block episodes were classified potentially relevant while comprising AV block III or AV block I/II during exercise.

RESULTS

The patients experienced a median of 90 (interquartile range 7-1,084) commutations. Possibly relevant AV block occurred in 32 patients (55%). Validation revealed high-quality PM-based categorization. The RVP prevalence was 0% (0-16%). The median AT prevalence was 0.03 (0-26) min/day. RVP was the only multivariate predictor of AT (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Potentially relevant AV block occurs frequently in patients with SND. Nonetheless, the RVP prevalence is kept low through the AAISafeR mode. The protection of SND patients with demand-actuated ventricular pacing appears reasonable. The AT prevalence is low in SND patients treated by the AAISafeR mode. Even low RVP proportions appear to favor AT. Prospective evaluation is needed.

[Update on geriatric cardiology]

This article contains a review of the main developments in the field of geriatric cardiology reported during 2008. The focus is on research concerning the specific characteristics of elderly patients with heart failure, arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, and aortic valve disease.

Spanish Pacemaker Registry. Fifth official report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiac Pacing (2007)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article was to report findings from the Spanish Pacemaker Registry on procedures carried out in 2007. The analysis includes details of patients' demographic characteristics, the type of procedure (i.e., implant or replacement), pacing mode, and the electrode and fixation systems used.

METHODS

The data collected comprised all the information recorded on European Pacemaker Patient Identification Cards, which were submitted voluntarily in either electronic or paper form.

RESULTS

The information received from 114 health-care centers included 11 360 cards, which covered 36.9% of all pacemakers thought to be implanted during 2007. Some 680.4 pacemakers were used per million inhabitants. Usage varied significantly between different Spanish autonomous regions, partly due to uneven ageing of the population. Some 25.3% of all procedures were to replace generators. The average age of patients undergoing a first implantation was 76.1 years, with a difference between the sexes: 75.4 years in men and 77.1 years in women. First implantations were carried out most often in patients in their 70s, who comprised 40% of the total, compared with other decades of life. There were more first implantations in men, who accounted for 57.9% of the total, due to a higher incidence of intraventricular conduction disturbance. In contrast, sick sinus syndrome was equally common in both sexes. Leaving aside patients with atrial tachyarrhythmia, it was observed that the VVI/R mode was used in 26.2% of those with sick sinus syndrome, 28% with atrioventricular block and 28.1% with intraventricular conduction disturbance. Age had a great influence on whether this pacing mode was selected. Almost all leads used were bipolar. The percentage using active fixation increased to 36.5%. The percentage of implants involving low-energy cardiac resynchronization therapy remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

The Spanish Pacemaker Registry received data on a highly representative sample of patients requiring cardiac pacing in 2007, which covered 11 360 device implantations or replacements. It was observed that the incidence of first implantations was influenced by sex, being greater in males, who underwent implantation at a younger age because conduction disturbances were more common. Age was one factor influencing the pacing mode selected for a range of electrocardiographic indications for pacing. Almost all leads implanted were bipolar. The percentage using active fixation continues to increase.