Background More and more active-fixation leads were used in the right atrium during the implantation of pacemaker, the aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of active-fixation right atrial leads in the application of pacemaker and observe the changes of long-term pacing parameters.

Methods Sixty patients (32 males and 28 females, mean aged 65.25 ± 13.95 years) were involved in this study, 4 cases implanted with single-chamber pacemaker (AAIR) and 56 cases implanted with dual-chamber pacemaker (DDDR), who underwent the active-fixation leads implantation in the right atrium for permanent pacing. The follow-up period was 12 months after implantation.

Results The active-fixation atrial leads were successful implanted in all patients and there were no complication during the operation, 52 leads implanted in the right atrial appendage, 3 in the right atrial septum and 5 in the right atrial lateral wall. The pacing thresholds at the implanted moment were obviously higher and declined rapidly. No thresholds change occurred at the end of the operation, in 48 hours, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after operation. The impedances were quickly decreased at the end of the operation and 48 hours after the operation, no obvious sense parameters changed. 1 patient (1.7%) with acute atrial electrode dislodgment at 2 hours after operation, we resetted the active -fixation lead successfully. No complications such as lead perforation and cardiac tamponade occurred.

Conclusions It was safe and feasible in the implantation of active- fixation leads in right atrium. The pacing parameters of active-fixation leads in right atrium were stable during the periods of 12 months after operation.