Multiprogrammable pacemakers: are their advantages fully employed?

Out of 1265 pacemakers implanted between 1981 and 1987 in our center, 50 (4.0 percent) were of SSI M mode. Utilization of the programming capability of these multiprogrammable single-chamber pulse generators was investigated. All devices were programmed to the "energy saving mode" ensuring the longest lifetime possible. Half of them did not have to be reprogrammed for any other reason, the other half had to be programmed for cardiological and/or technical dysfunctions. Full utilization has been made of the programmability of these sophisticated and expensive units and their wide application is justified.