This paper documents the development of cardiac pacing in New Zealand in the early years following the first implant in 1961. This period covered the time of the early development and evolution of cardiac pacemakers. Pacemaker implantations were infrequent and high risk in desperately ill patients. Whilst lifesaving the pacemakers had poor longevity, were unreliable and required frequent revisions.
© 2011 The Authors. Internal Medicine Journal © 2011 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.