[Percutaneous implantation of permanent pacemakers (author's transl)].

2 methods for the implantation of permanent pacemakers with percutaneous puncture of the subclavian vein are described. The first one was used in 44 patients with the aid of an introducing catheter-set Desilets-Hoffman consisting of guide-wire, inner Teflon dummy catheter and outer thin-walled sheath; through this a shoulder-less electrode catheter no. 8 could be inserted for permanent pacing. The other technique was applied to 20 patients and used thinner special electrodes no. 6F, which could be introduced directly through a plastic cannula inserted with a puncture-needle. The advantages are: diminished risk of infections, local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, applicability by the cardiologist in the catheterization-laboratory or under a simple fluoroscopy-unit, short stay of patients in the hospital without transfers to other departments, few personnel (1 scrubbed doctor, 1 non-scrubbed nurse), recognition of venous anomalies (singular left superior caval vein) without useless incisions for the patient. Complications such as pneumothorax, puncture of the subclavian artery, and dislocations of the electrodes have also been encountered.