Early pacemaker battery depletion caused by a current leak in the output circuitry: rectification not exchange

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2007 May;30(5):705-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2007.00732.x.

Abstract

Malfunction of a dual chamber system pacemaker due to a current leak in the output circuitry leading to a rapid decline in battery longevity is described. Serial pulse amplitude alterations in defined device configurations enabled location of the defect in the 2.5-V output voltage level; the current leak disappeared in the 5-V output voltage level, and recurred in the 7.5-V output voltage level which combines both 2.5-V and 5-V output circuitries. Reprogramming of pulse amplitudes rectified device malfunction. Circuitry reprogramming of pacemakers with faulty unexplained high battery current can circumvent early replacement in management of device malfunction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Electric Power Supplies*
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*