Passive lead fixation involves which mechanism?

Passive lead fixation involves which mechanism?

• A. Tines lodge into trabeculae or fibrous mesh
• B. A helix screws into endocardium
• C. The lead is sutured to the chest wall
• D. The lead uses mechanical magnets to fix

Answer: (A)

Passive fixation relies on small tines or hooks at the tip of the lead that catch and hook into the heart’s interior structures. These tines lodge into trabeculae or the fibrous mesh of the endocardial surface, holding the lead in place without penetrating the myocardium. This method contrasts with active fixation, which uses a screw-like helix that actively penetrates the endocardium to secure the lead. Other options describe epicardial suturing to the chest wall or a magnet-based approach, neither of which applies to this mechanism. The tines-and-trabeculae engagement provides retention by mechanical interlock with the heart’s internal texture.

Passive fixation relies on small tines or hooks at the tip of the lead that catch and hook into the heart’s interior structures. These tines lodge into trabeculae or the fibrous mesh of the endocardial surface, holding the lead in place without penetrating the myocardium. This method contrasts with active fixation, which uses a screw-like helix that actively penetrates the endocardium to secure the lead. Other options describe epicardial suturing to the chest wall or a magnet-based approach, neither of which applies to this mechanism. The tines-and-trabeculae engagement provides retention by mechanical interlock with the heart’s internal texture.