LD-PACE II: A new cardiomyostimulator for cardiac bioassist

The LD-PACE II was designed for use in cardiomyoplasty, aortomyoplasty, and skeletal muscle ventricles. All parameters specified as programmable can b e changed in a noninvasive manner (using a programming interface wand conne cted to a computer using the Windows 95/98 environment). Two new functions may be very useful clinically, based on experimental research. 1. Work-rest regimen. The LD-PACE II is able to deliver alternating periods of muscle c ontractions and rest. Work and rest periods may be programmed independently between 1 and 120 minutes in increments of 1 minute. The work-rest regimen may be useful clinically if muscle contractions are needed for cardiac ass ist postoperatively. 2. Night/day regimen. This feature allows for a change in the ratio of muscle contractions according to a patient's activity leve l. During the day the cardiosynchronization ratio may be set from 1:1 to 1: 4, and during the night it may be set for 1:8 to 1:16. This allows the musc le to have a long rest period, prevents overuse, and prolongs battery life. These two new features make this cardiomyostimulator very attractive for c ardiomyoplasty in particular. The addition of the work-rest and night-day r egimens allow the muscle to rest for periods during the day to prevent over use, subsequent damage, and potential atrophy.