Medtronic Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In a unipolar lead configuration, the electrical impulse flows from the cathode, which is the active electrode placed in contact with the heart tissue, to the internal pulse generator (IPG). This configuration stimulates the heart as the energy travels through the myocardium, causing depolarization and subsequent contraction of the heart muscle. The impulse makes its way back to the IPG, integrating the circuit and ensuring the effective delivery of electrical signals necessary for pacing.

This method is particularly effective because it utilizes a single electrode for stimulation and relies on the return path being established via the body’s conductive tissues, leading to efficient operation. It minimizes the need for a second lead, which can simplify the implantation and reduce potential complications associated with multiple leads. This unipolar design contrasts with other configurations that either distribute current across multiple electrodes or alter the way energy is utilized, making option A the most accurate description of the impulse flow in this specific lead configuration.