User's Manual

127
Handling and Implantation
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A measuring test is available for verifying the retrograde conduction
time. See also the "Follow-up Options" section.
If retrograde conduction is present, the measured times should be
nearly identical. If the measured conduction times vary significantly,
this may be due to unstable atrial sensing or the absence of
conduction.
Rate Adaptation
With rate adaptation enabled, the programmed values should be
checked during each follow-up visit to ensure their therapeutic
suitability for the individual patient. Any change in the patient's general
well-being and cardiac performance since the follow-up should be
taken into consideration. As during the initial programming of rate-
adaptive pacing, it is recommended that the sensor-mediated rate at
rest as well as during and following exertion be checked at follow-up.
The control parameters may require adjustment if significant changes
are detected. Ensure that the settings for maximum sensor rate, rate
increase, and rate decrease are always well tolerated by the patient.
The pacemaker's diagnostic memory functions may be used to monitor
the rate response of the sensor under conditions of normal daily
activities. Recording the sensor trend during an exercise test is
recommended during follow-up. This facilitates the simulation of
different sensor settings on the programmer’s screen. In this manner,
a repetition of the exercise test can be avoided.
The pacemaker's standard program includes sensor settings that are
appropriate for many patients. A non-rate-adaptive mode may be
programmed when you are in doubt as to whether certain settings are
appropriate for a specific patient. In this mode, the sensor rate is
recorded (sensor rate histogram and activity report) without being
activated.