on demand pacemakers

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • detects spontaneous ventricular activity - the output of the pacemaker either is suppressed or discharged in order to make the impulse fall within the safe period of the QRS complex.
  • on demand systems are particularly useful in cases where AV conduction is likely to return (temporary pacing in acute myocardial infarction) and in patients with sinoatrial disorder or partial heart block.
  • unipolar systems (ventricular) are used in cases where AV conduction is likely to return.
  • in cases where there is normal AV conduction and a sino-atrial disorder then the pacing wire is situated in the right atrium.