VDD pacemaker

The functionality of the various pacemaker systems is illustrated in a letter code made up of three to four letters:

• The first letter indicates the chamber (s) that stimulates are (paced): A stands for atrium so atrium , V for ventricle , D for both atrium and ventricle.
• the second letter designates the chamber in which an (intrinsic) heart action is perceived,
• the third letter the way in which the pacemaker reacts to the information: T means triggered, so for example the ventricle is stimulated during a perceived action in the atrium, I means inhibited, so the pacemaker is inhibited by a perceived action and stimulates the corresponding chamber does not (e.g. VVI pacemaker, which only requires one probe ).

Systems that maintain atrioventricular synchronization therefore until recently had to have a probe in the atrium and in the ventricle (usually DDD pacemakers).

A VDD probe is implanted in the right ventricle and thus stimulates the right ventricle (first letter V), but in addition to ventricular sensing it has a sensing capacity in the atrium (second letter D, i.e. dual) that enables ventricular stimulation timed to the perceived atrial heart action without the need to implant an additional atrial probe. This system is suitable for patients who have sufficient sinus function, i.e. who do not need to be stimulated in the atrium.

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !