Preliminary Studies on a New Steroid Eluting Epicardial Electrode

Abstract

Acute and chronic canine atrial and ventricular thresholds and sensing were compared for a steroid eluting epicardial plaque electrode, a similar steroid free plaque electrode and two standard leads. The steroid eluting electrode had low, stable thresbolds in atrium and ventricle compared to the steroid free plaque and standard leads. This new electrode also provided improved atrial sensing. Thus, the concept of a steroid eluting epicardial electrode shows promise for further evaluation.