Oversensing of atrial flutter in the recipient atrium of a heart transplant patient with a permanent atrial pacemaker.

ABSTRACT

Sinus node dysfunction requiring permanent pacemaker implantation is a common problem following heart transplantation. There are unique problems to consider in pacing the transplanted heart. This report describes a case of far-field sensing of atrial flutter in the recipient atrial remnant, with resultant inhibition of the atrial pacemaker in the donor atrium, and symptomatic bradycardia. Although postulated to be a potential problem, oversensing of the recipient atrium has not been reported prior to this case. Awareness of this problem will provide for more effective pacemaker troubleshooting.