Sutureless epicardial pacemaker lead: a satisfactory preliminary experience.

The first pacemaker systems used the epicardial electrode. The transvenous endocardial electrode rapidly supplanted the epicardial electrode since it could be positioned with less morbidity and mortality and was associated with a lower incidence of wire breakage. The long term complication rate of the transvenous electrode had not been inconsequential. The sutureless epicardial electrode combines the greater reliability of the epicardial lead system with the ease of insertion and low morbidity of the endocardial lead system. We have used this electrode in 33 patients. The electrode was positioned using the subxiphoid approach and local anesthesia in most patients. There have been few complications and none that resulted in long term morbidity. There have been no deaths related either to the operative approach or to the pacing system. There has been no instance of lead failure during the follow-up period.