CICM SAQ 2010.2 Q15
Questions
The following questions refer to implantable cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators.
- a) What is the effect of applying a magnet to these devices?
- b) What information can you gain from a chest X-Ray in a patient with an implantable cardiac device?
- c) What are the advantages of DDD pacing compared to VVI pacing?
- d) List 4 benefits of cardiac resynchronisation therapy.
Answers
Answer and interpretation
a) What is the effect of applying a magnet to these devices?
- CD: it turns off antiarrhythmic programme but has no affect on backup pacemaker
- Pacemaker: It defaults to asynchronous mode or a fixed rate. Rate depends on battery life.
b) What information can you gain from a chest X-Ray in a patient with an implantable cardiac device?
- Single v dual chamber
- Biventricular or left ventricular (cardiac resynchronisation) Lead displacement or injury
- Number of devices present
c) What are the advantages of DDD pacing compared to VVI pacing?
- AV synchronisation maintained
- Avoids pacemaker syndrome
- Reduced incidence of AF
- Possible decreased thrombotic events
d) List 4 benefits of cardiac resynchronisation therapy.
- improved LVEF, CO and haemodynamics improved exercise tolerance
- decreased NYHA class
- decreased hospitilisation
- improved quality of life
Examination Library
CICM
Chris is an Intensivist and ECMO specialist at The Alfred ICU, where he is Deputy Director (Education). He is a Clinical Adjunct Associate Professor at Monash University, the Lead for the Clinician Educator Incubator programme, and a CICM First Part Examiner.
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