The malfunctioning pacemaker system. Part I.

Abstract

The success of an implanted cardiac pacemaker is dependent upon the establishment of a harmonious relationship between the artificial pacemaker and the human receiver. Failure of a pacemaker system may arise from an electronic or mechanical defect within the pacemaker, a physiologic problem, or from a poor relationship between the normal function of both. Such malfunctions may necessitate the repair, replacement, or repositioning of a pacemaker component or removal of a source of external interference. True pacemaker malfunctions must be clearly distinguished from pseudo-malfunctions, where there is no pacemaker system defect. These situations may, variously, require the repair of faulty tes..