[Cardiac pacing in Sicily (author's transl)]

Abstract

We report the experience in Sicily, where more than 3000 pacemakers have been implanted in different Schools of Medicine and Hospitals (Agrigento, Catania, Messina, Palermo and Ragusa). Our personal experience (Cardiology Division--Catania) is 846 cases up to June 1977. We would like to stress that today the sick sinus syndrome and other pathological conditions not due to complete AV block are of increasing incidence as an indication to definitive electrostimulation. In addition, the average age of patients is getting lower, and more PM-demand and lithium powered PM are implanted. The most used implant technique has been through the cephalic vein. Today it is possible to have more distant controls mainly because of the oscilloscopic evaluation technique. Mortality during surgery and immediately post-surgery is very low, and the bioelectric complications are very rare. In conclusion, we would suggest: 1) a strict cooperation with a Cardio-surgery Division; 2) the utilization of more sophisticated techniques to make controls less frequent and more rapid and easy (e.g. telephone controls); 3) a more modern and correct law on this issue and a better information of the public, involving educational, social and medical structures so that the patient with a pacemaker can live in his family with a recovery for work and society.