Influence of pacing modalities on the incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients without prior atrial fibrillation. A prospective study

Aim Many studies suggest that patients who receive a physiologicalpacemaker have a reduced incidence of atrial fibrillation comparedto patients receiving a ventricular pacemaker. Methods In order to evaluate the impact of different pacing modalitieson the incidence of atrial fibrillation, we prospectively analysed210 patients. Patients with previous episodes of atrial fibrillationwere excluded from the study. The patient population included110 patients paced for sick sinus syndrome and 100 patientspaced for total atrio-ventricular block or second degree typeatrioventricular block. Results Patients were followed for 5 years; the incidence of atrialfibrillation was 10% at 1 year, 23% at 3 years and 31% at 5years. There was an increase in the incidence of atrial fibrillationin patients receiving a ventricular pacemaker compared to patientsreceiving a physiological pacemaker. Conclusion The pacing modality appeared to influence the incidence of atrialfibrillation in paced patients; patients with ventricular pacinghad a significantly higher incidence of arrhythmias than didpatients with physiological pacing.     

No incremental benefit of multisite atrial pacing compared with right atrial pacing in patients with drug refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE—To evaluate the incremental antifibrillatory effect of multisite atrial pacing compared with right atrial pacing in patients with drug refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation paced for arrhythmia prevention alone.
METHODS—In 20 of these patients (mean (SD) age 64 (8) years; 14 female, six male), a single blinded randomised crossover study was performed to investigate the incremental benefit of one month of multisite atrial pacing compared with one month of right atrial pacing. Outcomes included the number of episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, their total duration obtained from pacemaker Holter memory, and quality of life using a cardiac specific questionnaire (the modified Karolinska questionnaire).
RESULTS—Comparing right atrial with multisite atrial pacing, there was no significant change in either the number of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation episodes (mean (SD): right atrial pacing 77 (98) episodes v multisite pacing 52 (78) episodes, NS) or their total duration (right atrial, 4.8 (5.4) days v multisite, 6.3 (9.8) days, NS). Quality of life scores compared with baseline status were equally improved by either pacing strategy (mean percentage improvement: right atrial, 38%, p = 0.003; multisite, 44%, p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in life scores comparing the two pacing modes.
CONCLUSIONS—Multisite atrial pacing has no incremental antiarrhythmic effect compared with right atrial pacing in patients paced for drug refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Quality of life is equally improved with either pacing strategy, with no differences between them.


Keywords: multisite atrial pacing; atrial fibrillation; pacing     

Atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation by DDD stimulation

136 patients were followed after implantation a DDD pacemaker (PM) for a total of 1,919 patient-months (m = 14.1 months/patient). 22/136 patients had one or more episodes of atrial flutter or fibrillation (AF) postoperatively. In 121/136 patients (group A) AF had not been documented before, in 4 it was unknown at the time of implantation, but was verified retrospectively (group B). 11 patients (group C) had a positive history of previous AF. Post implantation 7.4% in group A and 81.8% in group C developed AF. In patients with sick sinus syndrome (SSS) the incidence was 10/37 (27%), in those with AV block (AV) 6/77 (7.8%) and in cases with both SSS and AV 6/22 (27.3%). The first AF episode occurred during the implantation itself (n = 2) or during the hospital course in 9/22 patients (A: 11%, B/C: 64% early attacks), and later on in 13 with a time delay of 1-24 months (m = 8.5, 8 patients) in group A and 2-15 months (m = 6.6, 4 patients) in groups B/C. 2 patients of group C had no AF episodes post implantation. In the individual patient the number of attacks ranged from 1 to 3 (10.4/100 patient-months) in group A and from 1 to 6 (20.1/100 patient-months) in groups B/C. During AF 16/22 patients had a ventricular rate of 110-185, m = 132 bpm. In 6 patients the tachycardia was mediated by the PM and in 10 by fast intrinsic AV conduction. 1 patient with SSS, 2 with SSS + AV (spontaneous ventricular rate less than 45 bpm) and 3 with AV needed ventricular backup-pacing during AF. In 7 patients a total of 15 attacks of atrial flutter could be terminated by atrial overdrive pacing, in 5 of these episodes by temporary high rate A00 stimulation via the implanted pacemaker lead system. Otherwise AF was converted to sinus rhythm by antiarrhythmic drugs. After termination AF often recurred, but only 3 patients developed chronic atrial fibrillation. In 2 patients a ventricular rate greater than 180 bpm during AF reverted the PM to asynchronous mode, a possible cause of ventricular fibrillation in one. No other complications due to the PM itself have been encountered. AF, therefore, common during DDD pacing, even in patients without any AF history before implant. Both the incidence and the recurrence of AF depend on the presence or absence of previous atrial arrhythmias.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Arterial thromboembolism in patients with sick sinus syndrome: prediction from pacing mode, atrial fibrillation, and echocardiographic findings

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether thromboembolism in sick sinus syndrome can be predicted by pacing mode, atrial fibrillation, or echocardiographic findings. METHODS: Patients were randomised to single chamber atrial (n = 110) or ventricular (n = 115) pacing. They were divided into subgroups with and without brady-tachy syndrome at time of randomisation. The occurrence of atrial fibrillation and thromboembolism during follow up were investigated and compared with echocardiographic findings. RESULTS: The annual risk of thromboembolism was 5.8% in patients with brady-tachy syndrome randomised to ventricular pacing, 3.2% in patients without brady-tachy syndrome randomised to ventricular pacing, 3% in patients with brady-tachy syndrome randomised to atrial pacing, and 1.5% in patients without brady-tachy syndrome randomised to atrial pacing. In atrial paced patients without brady-tachy syndrome at randomisation and without atrial fibrillation during follow up, the annual risk of thromboembolism was 1.4%. Left atrial size measured by M mode echocardiography was of no value in predicting thromboembolism. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial thromboembolism in patients with sick sinus syndrome is very common and is associated primarily with brady-tachy syndrome at randomisation and with ventricular pacing. The risk of thromboembolism is small in atrial paced patients in whom atrial fibrillation has never been documented.     

Induction of atrial fibrillation with rapid high voltage ventricular pacing for ventricular fibrillation conversion testing. The Ventak AV II DR Study

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether rapid high voltage ventricular pacing can also induce atrial fibrillation, and whether the induction of atrial fibrillation during ventricular fibrillation conversion testing is related to the patient's heart disease. DESIGN: Prospective study of 50 patients who received the dual chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) Ventak AV II DR (Guidant) as a first implant. This device can record atrial activity even during a ventricular fibrillation episode and can induce atrial fibrillation by rapid atrial bursts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of atrial fibrillation after induction of ventricular fibrillation; clinical characteristics of patients with and without induced atrial fibrillation; frequency of atrial fibrillation induced by rapid atrial bursts during predischarge testing. RESULTS: Atrial fibrillation was observed in 40 of the 217 ventricular fibrillation episodes (18%) that could be detected immediately after delivery of high voltage pacing. The biphasic ICD shock for termination of ventricular fibrillation also terminated the atrial fibrillation in all cases. The 40 episodes of simultaneous atrial and ventricular fibrillation occurred in 18 patients (36%). The distribution of the clinical characteristics of the patients and the inducibility of atrial fibrillation during predischarge testing were similar in those with and without induced atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid high voltage ventricular pacing frequently induces atrial fibrillation, which was terminated by the subsequent biphasic ICD shock. The induction of atrial fibrillation seems to be a non-specific phenomenon, unrelated to the clinical status of the patient.     

Inducibility of atrial fibrillation during atrioventricular pacing with varying intervals: role of atrial electrophysiology and the autonomic nervous system

INTRODUCTION: Patients receiving VVI pacemakers have a higher incidence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) than those receiving DDD pacemakers. However, the mechanism behind the difference is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether atrial electrophysiology and the autonomic nervous system play a role in the occurrence of AF during AV pacing. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population consisted of 28 patients who had (group I, n = 15) or did not have (group II, n = 13) AF induced by a single extrastimulus during pacing with different AV intervals. Atrial pressure, atrial size, atrial effective refractory periods, and atrial dispersion were evaluated during pacing with different AV intervals. Twenty-four-hour heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity also were examined. Atrial pressure, atrial size, effective refractory periods in the right posterolateral atrium and distal coronary sinus, and atrial dispersion increased as the AV interval shortened from 160 to 0 msec. During AV pacing, group I patients had greater minimal (52+/-17 vs 25+/-7 msec; P < 0.005) and maximal (76+/-16 vs 36+/-9 msec; P < 0.005) atrial dispersion than group II patients. The differences in atrial size and atrial dispersion among different AV intervals were greater in patients with AF than in those without AF. Baroreflex sensitivity (6.6+/-1.7 vs 3.9+/-1.0; P < 0.00005), but not heart rate variability, was higher in patients with AF than in those without AF. CONCLUSION: Abnormal atrial electrophysiology and higher vagal reflex activity can play important roles in the genesis of AF in patients receiving pacemakers.     

Long-term clinical performance of AAI pacing in patients with sick sinus syndrome: a comparison with dual-chamber pacing.

AIMS: In this clinical study, we compared two groups of age-matched patients, AAI and DDD, to evaluate the clinical benefits of AAI pacing in patients with sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and normal atrioventricular (AV) conduction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ninety-five patients with SSS implanted with AAI pacemakers were compared with 101 SSS patients implanted with DDD pacemakers. Mortality, chronic atrial fibrillation, lead survival rates, and reoperation rates were compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Eight AAI devices were switched to DDD due to high-degree (grade 2-3) AV block. The incidence of high-degree AV block was 1.104%/year, with a freedom rate of 88.6% at 10 years. There were no significant differences between the two groups in survival rates (87.8% in AAI vs. 93.4% in DDD at 10 years), freedom from atrial fibrillation (93.6% vs. 90.6%), or freedom from reoperation (71.3% vs. 76.3%). On the other hand, lead failure was twice as frequent in the DDD group than in the AAI group (relative risk=2.045, P=0.0382). CONCLUSION: AAI pacing, a simple system using a single lead and single-chamber pacemaker, can achieve a clinical outcome similar to that of the DDD mode in patients with SSS and normal AV conduction.     

Determinants of the ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation

Determinants of the ventricular cycle length during atrial fibrillation were examined in 52 patients. Thirty-three patients had structural heart disease and none had an accessory atrioventricular (AV) connection. The AV node effective and functional refractory periods, the shortest atrial pacing cycle length associated with 1:1 conduction, the AV node conduction time and indexes of concealed conduction in the AV node were measured in the baseline state (36 patients) and after modification of sympathetic tone by infusion of isoproterenol or propranolol (8 patients each). Atrial fibrillation was then induced with rapid atrial pacing, and the mean, shortest and longest ventricular cycle lengths were measured. Variables that correlated most strongly with the mean RR interval during atrial fibrillation were the AV node effective refractory period (r = 0.93; p less than 0.001), AV node functional refractory period (r = 0.87; p less than 0.001) and shortest atrial pacing cycle length associated with 1:1 conduction (r = 0.91; p less than 0.001). The AH interval during sinus rhythm (r = 0.74; p less than 0.001) and during atrial pacing at the shortest cycle length with 1:1 conduction (r = 0.52; p less than 0.001) had weaker correlations. Measures of concealed conduction did not improve the prediction of the mean or longest ventricular cycle length during atrial fibrillation. In conclusion, the refractory periods and conductivity of the AV node are the best indicators of the potential of the node to transmit atrial impulses to the ventricles during atrial fibrillation. The degree of concealed conduction in the AV node is a less important determinant of the mean ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation.     

The role of pacing mode in the development of atrial fibrillation.

Asynchronous ventricular pacing has been shown to increase the risk of development of atrial fibrillation (AF) because of various mechanisms: retrograde atrioventricular (AV) conduction with increase in atrial pressure causing acute atrial stretch and reverse flow in the pulmonary veins, mitral regurgitation, reduced coronary blood flow, adverse neuroendocrine reactions, etc. Dual-chamber pacing preserves atrioventricular synchrony. However, in randomized multicentre trials comparing VVI(R) with DDD(R) pacing, AF is only slightly less frequent in the dual-chamber mode. This is most likely due to unnecessary ventricular pacing, which is frequent in dual-chamber pacing. At nominal values, dual-chamber devices usually do not permit intrinsic AV conduction but promote delivery of the ventricular stimulus at an inappropriate time in an inappropriate place. Programming of long AV delays facilitates spontaneous AV conduction but usually cannot completely avoid unnecessary ventricular pacing and causes other problems in the dual-chamber mode. Atrial septal lead placement can improve left-sided AV synchrony and promote spontaneous AV conduction. Programming of the AAI(R) mode is superior to the dual-chamber mode but cannot be used if AV conduction is impaired intermittently or permanently. Therefore, dedicated algorithms enhancing spontaneous AV conduction in the dual-chamber mode are desirable for a large proportion of pacemaker patients.     

起搏术后心房颤动的影响因素及心房颤动与心钠素的关系

目的观察心脏起搏术后发生心房颤动(简称房颤)的影响因素及房颤与血心钠素(ANP)的关系。方法选择安装心脏起搏器的患者103例进行随访,分析房颤与年龄、起搏方式、心律失常类型、左房内径(LAD)、左室射血分数(LVEF)和血ANP的关系。结果①65岁以下患者房颤发生率低于65岁以上组(P<0.05)。②VVI组房颤发生率高于DDD组(P<0.05)。③慢快综合征组房颤发生率较缓慢型病窦综合征和房室传导阻滞组高(P<0.05)。④VVI房颤组术后LAD增大、LVEF下降(P<0.05),VVI房颤组术后与DDD组比较有差异(P<0.05)。⑤VVI房颤组和VVI窦性心律组ANP浓度较DDD组高(P<0.05);各组不同心功能级别(NYHA)之间ANP浓度随着心功能级别的加重而升高。结论长期心脏起搏术后房颤的发生可能与年龄大、VVI起搏、病窦综合征(慢快型)、LAD增大、LVEF降低及ANP浓度升高相关。     

Left atrial appendage function in patients with different pacing modes

Many studies suggest that patients who receive a ventricular pacemaker have a higher incidence of systemic thromboembolism compared to patients receiving a physiological pacemaker. However, the exact mechanism regarding the etiology of thromboembolism remains unclear. We evaluated the left atrial appendage (LAA) functions, using multiplane transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), in patients with different pacing modes. In order to evaluate the ejection fraction (EF), peak emptying (V(E)) and filling (V(F)) flow velocities of the LAA by TEE, we studied 31 patients (mean age 63+/-18.5 years) who had been paced for 5.0+/-2.9 years. Patients with atrial fibrillation, left ventricular dysfunction and mitral valve disease were excluded. The pacing indications were complete atrioventricular block (AVB) in 19 patients (9 VVI, 10 VDD or DDD) and sick sinus syndrome (SSS) in 12 patients (5 VVI, 7 DDD). Mean EF, V(E) and V(F) of the LAA were significantly lower in all patients with ventricular pacing (25.5+/-15.6%, 30.4+/-15.6 cm/s and 29. 1+/-19.2 cm/s, respectively) compared to those with physiologic pacing (48.5+/-16.9%, 59.6+/-16.3 cm/s, 57.9+/-18.5 cm/s, respectively) (P<0.01 in all). When patients were further classified with respect to underlying heart disease whether they had SSS or AVB, all measurements of the LAA (EF, V(E) and V(F)) in both subgroup of patients with SSS and AVB were found significantly lower in those with ventricular pacing than in those with physiologic pacing (Tables 3 and 4). This decrease, especially in LAA flow, was much greater in those with SSS (Mean V(E) and V(F) <20 cm/s). In a patient paced with VVI for SSS, a thrombus was detected within the LAA cavity. In conclusion, these results suggest that the pacing modality appeared to influence the LAA functions in paced patients. Patients with asynchronous ventricular pacing modes had a significantly higher incidence of depressed LAA functions than did patients with physiological pacing, especially more marked in patients with sick sinus syndrome. This may be a factor responsible for increased risk of thrombus formation and thromboembolic events in this patient population.     

Direct conversion of atrial flutter to sinus rhythm with low-output,short-duration transesophageal atrial pacing

Background and hypothesis: Transesophageal atrial pacing (TAP) is useful for terminating paroxysmal non-selfterminating atrial flutter (RAF); however, high output pacing of long stimulus duration causes severe symptoms such as chest pain. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of low-output, short-duration TAP on the conversion of PAF. Methods: We applied low-output (within 15 mA with a pulse duration of 10 ms), short-duration (within 4 s) TAP in 31 patients (50±19 years) with PAF. Transesophageal pacing was delivered with 10 pulses of burst pacing at intervals that were 20 ms shorter than those of the flutter wave length. When the conversion was unsuccessful, we delivered 20 pulses of burst pacing. Results: Sixteen patients (52%) were converted directly to sinus rhythm and 12 (38%) to atrial fibrillation. Transesophageal pacing was ineffective in 3 (10%) patients. The duration of atrial flutter, maximum flutter wave amplitude, effective pacing intervals, underlying heart diseases, and cardiac function were not different between patients who had direct conversion to sinus rhythm and those converted to atrial fibrillation. The patients who had direct conversion to sinus rhythm had longer flutter wave cycle lengths than those converted to atrial fibrillation (248 vs. 221 ms, p<0.005). No patient had complications and complained of any symptoms. Conclusion: Low-output, short-duration TAP was useful to convert PAF directly to sinus rhythm without side effects.     

心房起搏脉冲传导延迟患者AV问期的优化

目的探讨心房起搏至心房除极波时间延迟患者设置起搏的房室间期（PAV）的方法及远期心房起搏的有效性。方法分析2005年1月至2012年12月我院起搏器植入后发生心房起搏至心房除极波时间延迟≥lOOms的患者10例,病窦综合征（SSS）患者的房室间期设置为最大值,并最大限度开启房室问期滞后功能;对房室传导阻滞（AVB）患者设置PAV的值为：140～180ms＋心房起搏至心房除极波延迟时间,不开启AV滞后。结果经1个月至7年随访,5例SSS患者心室起搏比例〈10％,3例SSS患者心室起搏比例30％。50％,Holter显示心室起搏时为假性融合波,l例SSS患者及1例AVB患者为心室起搏心律,起搏比例〉99％,保证了房室问期的生理性。10例患者心房起搏阈值均〈1．5／0．4ms,未发生心房起搏阈值增高及失夺获。结论心房起搏至心房除极波时间延迟患者远期的心房起搏夺获是安全的;设置起搏器PAV间期要将心房起搏至心房除极波延迟时间计算其中,程控随访中应注意观察程控仪中监护图的心房波,房室传导阻滞患者可延长房室间期后观察心房波,部分患者因监护导联显示不清,需要通过12导联心电图进行观察,避免心房起搏至心房除极波延迟病例被遗漏．导致增加心室起搏及非生理性的房室间期。     

Right atrial overdrive pacing does not prevent atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery.

AIMS: The purpose of this prospective randomized study was to investigate the efficacy of atrial overdrive pacing (AOP) and bradycardia prevention pacing (BPP) in the prophylaxis of atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four on-pump CABG patients were randomized into three groups: AOP, BPP, and NP (no pacing). AOP patients were paced via epicardial wires using an atrial preference pacing algorithm, and BPP patients were paced in the AAI mode with a base rate of 60/min. Patients were paced for 48 h starting on the first postoperative day. The endpoint of the study was the first onset of AF lasting longer than 5 min. RESULTS: Preoperative risk factors and surgical data of patients did not differ between the AOP, BPP and NP groups. Pacing was technically successful in 80.5% of patients in the AOP and in 92.7% in the BPP groups. The incidence of AF in the AOP (26.8%), BPP (19.5%) and NP (28.6%) groups did not differ significantly. In the AOP group, AF in three patients was probably induced by inappropriate pacing due to sensing failure. CONCLUSIONS: Atrial overdrive pacing and bradycardia prevention pacing were not effective in the prevention of AF after CABG.     

Selecting the Appropriate Pacing Mode for Patients with Sick Sinus Syndrome: Evidence from Randomized Clinical Trials

Several observational studies have indicated that selection of pacing mode may be important for the clinical outcome in patients with symptomatic bradycardia, affecting the development of atrial fibrillation (AF), thromboembolism, congestive heart failure, mortality and quality of life. In this paper we present and discuss the most recent data from six randomized trials on mode selection in patients with sick sinus syndrome (SSS). In pacing mode selection, VVI(R) pacing is the least attractive solution, increasing the incidence of AF and-as compared with AAI(R) pacing, also the incidence of heart failure, thromboembolism and death. VVI(R) pacing should not be used as the primary pacing mode in patients with SSS, who haven't chronic AF. AAIR pacing is superior to DDDR pacing, reducing AF and preserving left ventricular function. Single site right ventricular pacing-VVI(R) or DDD(R) mode-causes an abnormal ventricular activation and contraction (called ventricular desynchronization), which results in a reduced left ventricular function. Despite the risk of AV block, we consider AAIR pacing to be the optimal pacing mode for isolated SSS today and an algorithm to select patients for AAIR pacing is suggested. Trials on new pacemaker algorithms minimizing right ventricular pacing as well as trials testing alternative pacing sites and multisite pacing to reduce ventricular desynchronization can be expected within the next years.     

最小化心室起搏减少病态窦房结综合征患者心房颤动的发生

目的 探讨最小化心室起搏对病态窦房结综合征(病窦综合征)患者心房颤动(房颤)发生的影响.方法 入选2003年4月至2008年4月因病窦综合征植入DDD起搏器的患者112例,随机、单盲分为最小化心室起搏组56例(A组),和传统双心腔起搏组56例(B组),分别于3、6个月进行随访,以后每年1次,每次随访内容包括病史询问、起搏器程控、超声心动图.主要观察指标为房颤发生率,次要观察指标为超声心动图(包括左心房内径、左心室舒张末内径和左心室射血分数)和因心力衰竭再入院情况.结果 平均随访时间为(33.7±17.1)个月,与B组相比,A组的心室起搏平均比例显著减少(10.1%vs92.3%,P＜0.001),但两组的心房起搏平均比例相近(73.6%vs72.8%,P=0.98).B组累计房颤发生率明显低于A组(RR=0.65,95%可信区间0.59～0.93,P=0.015).与植入前相比,A组各阶段超声心动图变化差异无统计学意义;而B组左心房内径逐渐增大.术后2年起,B组左心房内径与植入前相比,或与同期的A组相比,差异有统计学意义.结论 右心室心尖部起搏使病窦综合征患者房颤发生率增加,左心房内径增大.因此,对房室传导正常的病窦综合征患者,建议最小化心室起搏,鼓励心室自身传导.     

Rate adaptive pacing in sick sinus syndrome: effects of pacing modes and intrinsic conduction on physiological responses, arrhythmias, symptomatology and quality of life

An atrial-based pacing mode is superior to ventricular constantrate demand pacing (VVI) mode in patients with sick sinus syndrome(SSS) by providing both rate adaptation and atrioventricular(AV) synchrony. The use of a non-atrial sensor to overcome chronotropicincompetence and preserve normal intrinsic AV conduction inpacemaker therapy for SSS was investigated in 15 consecutivepatients (mean age 66±2 years). All had intact AV conduction(antegrade conduction capacity >100 beats. min^–1 andan atrialpaced to intrinsic R interval of 220 ms). DDDR pacemakerscapable of being programmed into atrial rate adaptive (AAIR),dual chamber rate adaptive (DDDR) and ventricular rate adaptive( VVIR) modes were used Beginning with an acute study, arterialpressure was invasively assessed in each pacing mode duringphysiological stresses and low level exercise. In the ambulatoryphase, the incidence of ventricular pacing and arrhythmias (Holierrecording), diurnal blood pressure changes (ambulatory bloodpressure recording), and symptom and quality of life level (questionnairesand interviews) were compared. Despite similar heart rate changes during acute physiologicalstresses, a higher blood pressure was recorded during AAIR orDDDR pacing compared with VVIR pacing. Systolic blood pressureover 24 h was lower in the VVIR mode (122 ± 5 mmHg) thanAAIR/DDDR pacing (129 ± 61128 ± 6 mmHg, P<0.05).VVIR pacing was associated with a higher frequency of atrialand ventricular ectopics, with two patients developing paroxysmalatrial fibrillation. Ventricular pacing was used in a higherpercentage in the DDDR compared with the VVIR mode (64 ±11 and 39 ± 7%, P<0.03). VVIR pacing was associatedwith more palpitations, a lower level of general well beingand depression. Despite the use of a sensor to overcome chronotropic incompetence,VVIR pacing is a less satisfactory pacing mode for SSS. AlthoughAAIRIDDDR pacing may achieve similar haemodynamic and clinicalstatus, in patients with intact A V conduction, AAIR pacingmay be preferable by avoiding an abnormal ventricular activationpattern     

Atrial pacing for the prevention of atrial fibrillation after cardiovascular surgery

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of atrial pacing in the prevention of atrial fibrillation following cardiovascular surgery. BACKGROUND: Although pharmacologic therapy has been used to help prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation, it suffers from limited efficacy and adverse effects. In the nonoperative setting, novel pacing strategies have been shown to reduce recurrences of atrial fibrillation and prolong arrhythmia-free periods in patients with paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias. METHODS: A total of 154 patients (115 men; mean age, 65 +/- 10 years; ejection fraction, 53 +/- 10%) undergoing cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass surgery, 88.3%; aortic valve replacement, 4.5%; coronary bypass + aortic valve replacement, 7.1%) had right and left atrial epicardial pacing electrodes placed at the time of surgery. Patients were randomized to either no pacing, right atrial (RAP), left atrial (LAP) or biatrial pacing (BAP) for 72 h after surgery. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents were administered concurrently to all patients following surgery. RESULTS: There was a reduction in the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation from 37.5% in patients receiving no postoperative pacing to 17% (p < 0.005) in patients assigned to one of the three pacing strategies. The length of hospital stay was reduced by 22% from 7.8 +/- 3.7 days to 6.1 +/- 2.3 days (p = 0.003) in patients assigned to postoperative atrial pacing. The incidence of atrial fibrillation was lower in each of the paced groups (RAP, 8%; LAP, 20%; BAP, 26%) compared with patients who did not receive postoperative pacing (37.5%). CONCLUSION: Postoperative atrial pacing, in conjunction with beta-blockade, significantly reduced both the incidence of atrial fibrillation and the length of hospital stay following cardiovascular surgery. Additional studies are needed to determine the most effective anatomic pacing site.     

Patient with sick sinus syndrome and implanted dual-chamber pacemaker with reduced P-wave duration following low interatrial septal pacing: Case report

Introduction:A dual-chamber pacemaker (DDD/R) for a sinus node disease is sometimes referred to as a physiological pacemaker as it maintains atrioventricular synchrony, however several clinical trials have proved its inferiority to a nonphysiological single-chamber ventricular back-up pacing.Patient concerns:A subject of the study is a 74-year-old woman with a sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and a previously implanted physiological DDD/R pacemaker. The SSS was diagnosed because of patient''s very slow sinus rhythm of about 36 bpm, and due to several episodes of dizziness. After the DDD/R implantation the percentage of atrial pacing approached 100%, with almost none ventricular pacing.Diagnoses:Sick sinus syndrome, complete Bachmann''s bundle block, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter.Interventions:The patient was previously implanted with a physiological DDD/R pacemaker. Several years after the implantation, the atrial fibrillation was diagnosed and the pulmonary vein isolation was then performed by cryoablation. During the follow-up after pulmonary vein isolation, the improvement of mitral filling parameters was assessed using echocardiography. Shortly thereafter the patient developed the persistent paroxysm of a typical atrial flutter which was successfully terminated using a radiofrequency ablation. No recurrence thereof has been observed ever since (24 months).Outcomes:The atrial electrode of the pacing system was implanted within the low interatrial septal region that resulted in a reduced P-wave duration compared to native sinus rhythm P-waves. The said morphology was deformed because of the complete Bachmann bundle block. That approach, despite a nonphysiological direction of an atrial activation, yielded relatively short P-waves (paced P-wave: 179 ms vs intrinsic sinus P-wave: 237 ms). It also contributed to a significantly shorter PR interval (paced PR: 204 ms vs sinus rhythm PR: 254 ms).Conclusions:The authors took into consideration different aspects of alternative right atrial pacing sites. This report has shown that in some patients with a sinus node disease, low interatrial septal pacing can reduce the P-wave duration but does not prevent from the development of atrial arrhythmias.     

预防病态窦房结综合征心房颤动的心脏起搏模式探讨

目的 :观察何种心脏起搏模式能有效预防病态窦房结 (病窦 )综合征心房颤动 (房颤 )的发作。方法 :对 4 5例安置心房按需起搏器 (AAI)及房室顺序起搏器 (DDD)的病窦综合征房颤患者进行了平均 3.3年的随访观察。结果 :4 5例病窦患者仅 1例出现房颤 (2 .2 % )。对 5个典型病例进行分析的结果提示 ,超速持续心房起搏可以抑制病窦患者房颤的发生。结论 :心脏起搏抑制房颤发生的机制可能与快频率起搏加速心房内传导、抑制了房性期前收缩、消除了窦性心动过缓和心脏长 短间歇有关。双心房或AA起搏方式可能是一种比较理想的预防房颤的方法