Preliminary experience with the use of a programmable pacemaker.

One hundred sixty-four patients, in whom new externally programmable pacemakers had been inserted, were studied over a two year period, beginning July, 1972. Following implantation, the rate and current output of this pacemaker could be changed at any time by a non-invasive technique involving electromagnetic pulse trains emitted by an external "programmer". In 89 percent of the patients it was possible to reduce battery output by half, implying greater longevity of the pacer in these cases. In 15 percent of the patients, manipulative control of the pacemaker rate was employed and found beneficial.