What is the primary purpose of setting anode sensing to bipolar while pacing to unipolar?

Setting anode sensing to bipolar while pacing to unipolar serves the primary purpose of avoiding anodal stimulation. In a pacing system, particularly with unipolar pacing, there is a risk that the pacing pulse can inadvertently activate areas outside the intended target, potentially stimulating structures proximal to the anode. By utilizing bipolar sensing, the system can more accurately detect signals from within the heart and reduce the likelihood of this unintended stimulation, which can lead to complications such as inappropriate capture or arrhythmias.

This approach allows for more precise control of where the pacing occurs, ensuring that the desired cardiac tissue is activated while minimizing the chances of stimulating other nearby structures. Thus, choosing bipolar sensing in this scenario effectively protects the cardiac function and enhances the overall pacing efficacy.