User's Manual

Table Of Contents
If the conversion is unsuccessful, the patient s hould be rescued using an appropriate transthoracic debrillator.
Early conversion is important because a prolonged arrhythmia may b e more difcult to terminate.
WARNING: Always have external debrillation equipment available during implant and electrophysiologic
testing. If not terminated in a timely fashion, an induced ventricular tachyarrhythmia can result in the patient’s
death.
NOTE: If open chest surgery is performed and a chest retractor is used, remove it before conversion testing
to best simulate the ambulatory conditions in which the pulse generator will operate and to avoid potential
shunting of energy.
Induce the Patient’s Arrhythm ia
An arrhythmia can be induced by using the induction features of the pulse generator.
Allow the patient’s blood pressure and electrophysiologic status to return to baseline between arrhythmia
inductions, whether successful or unsuccessful. It is also suggested to allow a minimum of one minute between
inductions.
During each arrhythmia induction, note the heart rate to determine the appropriate rate threshold values.
Ventricular cycle lengths that occur close to but below the lowest programmed rate threshold value may be
detected as normal sinus rhythm. To provide sufcient opportunity for detection, the rate threshold v alue(s)
should be programmed at least 10 bpm below the rate of the arrhythmia(s) that is to be treated.
Perform the Induction
1. Insert the pulse generator into the implantation pocket. Temporarily close the pocket enough to ensure
that the pulse generator will remain in position during conversion testing. Make sure the pulse generator
has good contact with surrounding tissue; ush the pocket with saline solution, if necessary, to avoid a
dry pocket.
CAUTION: Do not allow any object that is electrically conductive to come into contact with the lead or
device during induction because it may shunt energy, resulting in less energy getting to the patient, and may
damage the implanted system.
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