A long-term, prospective, cohort study on the performance of right ventricular pacing leads: comparison of active-fixation with passive-fixation leads

Active-fixation pacing leads allow the use of selective pacing sites. We evaluated their long-term performance versus passive-fixation leads in 199 newly implanted patients (n = 100 active and n = 99 passive). Postoperative pacing thresholds in the active group were higher than in the passive group (0.85 ± 0.31 V vs. 0.53 ± 0.21 V at baseline, P < 0.001). The active thresholds fell to 0.72 ± 0.23 V at 5 years with a significant drop at one month (0.68 ± 0.53 V, P = 0.003). The passive thresholds slightly increased to 0.72 ± 0.31 V at five years. Differences between groups were significant until three years (all P < 0.05). Active impedances were generally lower than passive impedances (600.44 ± 94.31Ω vs. 683.14 ± 110.98Ω at baseline), and both showed significant reductions at one month to 537.96 ± 147.43Ω in the active group, and after three months to 643.85 ± 82.40Ω in the passive group (both P < 0.01 vs. baseline). Impedance differences between groups were significant until four years (all P < 0.05). Adverse events included thresholds over 1 V, 5 of 6 active and 2 of 5 passive leads returned to below 1 V. One active left ventricular lead dislodged. One passive left subclavian lead insulation fracture occurred. Thus Active fixation pacing leads are stable in a five-year long-term follow up. There was no difference between active and passive leads in terms of electrical performance.