A dual-chamber pacemaker is a device with two leads: one placed in the right atrium and one in the right ventricle. This allows the pacemaker to sense and pace both chambers, coordinating their contractions to restore the normal sequence in which the atria beat just before the ventricles. This coordinated timing is called atrioventricular (AV) synchrony.
Dual-chamber pacing is preferred over single-chamber (ventricular only) pacing in most people who need a permanent pacemaker, because it more closely mimics the natural heartbeat, maintains AV synchrony, and can improve exercise tolerance and symptoms. It is used for conditions including complete heart block, sick sinus syndrome, and other forms of symptomatic bradycardia.
Dual-chamber ICDs also exist, combining defibrillation capability with dual-chamber sensing and pacing functions. Some devices operate in a rate-responsive mode, adjusting the pacing rate in response to physical activity. The choice of device and programming is tailored to each individual’s heart condition, underlying rhythm, and lifestyle needs by the cardiac electrophysiology team.
« Back to Glossary Index