Dual demand pacing using retriggerable refractory periods for ventricular rate control during paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with dual chamber pacemakers

Abstract

The use of dual chamber pacing in patients with atrioventricular block and paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmias may present a clinical dilemma because of the rapid and erratic triggering of ventricular pacing. To avoid this, a variety of pacing methods have now been described, including the use of retriggerable atrial refractory periods or dual demand pacing. This review details the use advantages, and limitations of this poorly understood algorithm referred to as 'pseudo-mode switching'.