Acute Animal and Human Study of a Tensiometric Pacing Lead Sensor Based on Triboelectricity

Cardiac contractions bend the implanted cardiac lead body, and extend and compress the lead conductors, their insulation, and the inserted stylet. Magnitude of lead deflection depends on cardiac muscle contraction forces. The purpose of this study was to measure the charge generated due to triboelectric effect between one of the lead conductors and the inserted stylet. The charge was measured by a differential charge amplifier being connected to an isolation amplifier and power supply. Sensor signal, ECG, and intracardiac electrograms were acquired. Three models of custom-designed leads were implanted in eight sheep. Measurements were done in 18 patients undergoing pacemaker implantation and replacement procedures. Atrial and ventricular tensiometric signals were recorded in dual chamber and in single-lead ventricular diastolic dysfunction patients. Recordings in sinus rhythm at various atrioventricular intervals and in supraventricular tachycardia were done. On average, charge variation between 1 and 600 pC was measured. Tensiometric stylet could be feasible hemodynamic sensor for myocardial contraction detection. Its main advantage is that it is easily exchangeable and universal for all leads.