Left Atrial Responses to Acute Right Ventricular Apical Pacing in Patients with Sick Sinus Syndrome

Chronic right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing can lead to an increased risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation, but the acute effects of RVA pacing on left atrial (LA) function are not well known. Twenty‐four patients with sick sinus syndrome and intact intrinsic atrioventricular conduction were included. All patients received dual‐chamber pacemaker implants with the atrial lead in the right atrial appendage and the ventricular lead in the right ventricular (RV) apex. Transthoracic standard and strain echocardiography (measured by tissue Doppler imaging and speckle tracking image) were performed to identify functional changes in the left ventricle (LV) and LA before and after 1 hour of RVA pacing. The LA volume index did not change after pacing; however, the ratio of peak early diastolic mitral flow velocity (E) to peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity (Ea) was significantly increased and peak systolic LA strain (Sm), mean peak systolic LA strain rate (SmSR), peak early diastolic LA strain rate (EmSR), and peak late diastolic LA strain rate (AmSR) were significantly reduced after RV pacing. LV dyssynchrony, induced by RV pacing, had a significant correlation with E/Ea, Sm, and SmSR after pacing. E/Ea also had a negative correlation with Sm and SmSR after pacing. Multivariate regression analysis identified LV dyssynchrony and E/Ea as important factors that affect Sm, SmSR, EmSR, and AmSR after acute RVA pacing. Acute RVA pacing results in LA functional change and LV dyssynchrony and higher LV filling pressures reflected by E/Ea are important causes of LA dysfunction after acute RVA pacing.     

Acute mechanical effect of right ventricular pacing at different sites using velocity vector imaging

Objective: Velocity vector imaging (VVI) allows noninvasive measurement of left ventricular (LV) strain and rotation angle‐independently. We investigated strain, rotation and myocardial synchrony when pacing at different sites in the right ventricle to determine which site yields the most physiological pacing, as determined with VVI imaging. Method: Thirty‐one patients with normal LV function referred for elective electrophysiology exam were used in this study. Catheters (6F quadripolar) were positioned in the right atrium, right ventricular apex, right ventricular outflow tract, and His bundle after electrophysiology exam was done. Regional and global LV circumferential strain (CS), radial strain (RS), and LV rotation of LV short‐axis measurements were obtained. Two dyssynchrony parameters (AS‐P delay and SDt_6S) of CS and RS were obtained. Compare these values among each pacing, respectively. Result: CS, RS, and twist, which represent the LV systolic function, were significantly reduced in RVOT pacing and RVA pacing than RA pacing. Two dyssynchrony parameters (AS‐P delay and SDt_6S) were significantly longer in response to RVOT or RVA pacing compared to RA pacing. No significant differences were found between RVOT pacing and RVA pacing. CS and RS were obviously reduced in the regions surrounding the pacing site. There was no significant difference in CS, RS, twist, and mechanical dyssynchrony parameters when comparing His and RA pacing. Conclusion: Among these alternate right ventricular pacing locations, His bundle pacing is most like physiological pacing. Both RVOT pacing and RVA pacing worsen the normal LV systolic function with regard to strain, twist, and mechanical dyssynchrony along the LV short axis. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1219‐1227)     

Acute Changes in Cardiac Synchrony and Output According to RV Pacing Sites in Koreans with Normal Cardiac Function

Introduction: The synchrony of the pacing heart can be affected by the right ventricular (RV) pacing site and is crucial to cardiac function in pacemaker recipients. We evaluated the acute changes in cardiac synchrony according to the RV pacing sites in normal systolic functioning subjects with normal QRS. Methods: We conducted this study with 30 patients with the pacing in the RV apex (RVA), RV septum (RVS), and RV outflow tract (RVOT) in a sequential manner . Transthoracic echocardiography was conducted at rest and during pacing in order to measure interventricular and intraventricular dyssynchrony in all patients. Results: QRS duration (148.1 ± 12.8 ms) of RVA pacing was significantly shorter than that of RVS pacing (154.4 ± 14.1 ms, P < 0.01) and RVOT pacing (160.6 ± 15.7 ms, P < 0.001). We noted no statistically significant difference in cardiac output according to the pacing sites. The interventricular dyssynchrony with M-mode and Doppler echocardiography in RVOT pacing was increased to an insignificant degree as compared with those with RVS pacing or RVA pacing. The intraventricular dyssynchrony with tissue Doppler echocardiography in RVA pacing was reduced significantly as compared with that of RVS pacing or RVOT (RVA = 60.3 ± 32.7 ms, RVS = 82.1 ± 33.8 ms, RVOT = 79.1 ± 33.3 ms; RVA vs RVS = P < 0.05, RVA vs RVOT = P < 0.01, RVS vs RVOT = P = NS). Conclusion: RVA pacing is superior to RVS and RVOT pacing with regard to intraventricular synchrony in normal systolic functioning subjects with normal QRS. Cardiac output at RVA pacing is not inferior to other sites.     

Comparison of the Acute Hemodynamic Effect of Right Ventricular Apex,Outflow Tract,and Dual‐Site Right Ventricular Pacing

Background: We studied the acute effect of pacing at the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), right ventricular apex (RVA) and simultaneous RVA and RVOT—dual‐site right ventricular pacing (DuRV) in random order on systolic function using impedance cardiography. Methods: Seventy‐three patients (46 males), aged 52–89 years (mean 71.4 years) subjected to routine dual chamber pacemaker implantation with symptomatic chronic II or atrioventricular block, were included to the study. Results: DuRV pacing resulted in significantly higher cardiac index (CI) in comparison to RVOT and RVA and CI at RVOT was higher than at RVA pacing (2.46 vs 2.35 vs 2.28; P < 0.001). In patients with ejection fraction >50% significantly higher CI was observed during DuRV pacing when compared to RVOT and RVA pacing and there was no difference of CI between RVOT and RVA pacing (2.53 vs 2.41 vs 2.37; P < 0.001). In patients with ejection fraction <50%, DuRV and RVOT pacing resulted in significantly higher CI in comparison to RVA pacing while no difference in CI was observed between RVOT and DuRV pacing (2.28 vs 2.21 vs 2.09; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Dual‐site right ventricular pacing in comparison to RVA pacing improved cardiac systolic function. RVOT appeared to be more advantageous than RVA pacing in patients with impaired, but not in those with preserved left ventricular function. No clear hemodynamic benefit of DuRV in comparison to RVOT pacing in patients with impaired systolic function was observed. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(4):353‐359     

Chronic Effect of Right Ventricular Pacing on Left Ventricular Rotational Synchrony in Patients with Complete Atrioventricular Block

Background: Chronic effect of right ventricular (RV) pacing on left ventricular (LV) rotational synchrony is unknown. The aim of this study is to assess chronic effect of RV pacing on LV rotational synchrony using two‐dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking imaging. Methods and Results: Thirty‐one patients who underwent dual‐chamber pacemaker implantation for complete atrioventricular block, and age‐ and sex‐matched 10 healthy controls were assessed. We divided our patients into RV apical (RVA, n = 16) and RV outflow tract (RVOT, n = 15) pacing groups. We compared echocardiographic parameters such as LV rotational synchrony between pacing groups and healthy control. We defined Q to peak rotation interval as the interval from the beginning of the Q‐wave to the peak apical counter‐clockwise or peak basal clockwise rotation. We calculated apical–basal rotation delay by subtracting basal Q to peak rotation interval from apical one as the representative of rotational synchronization. Apical–basal rotation delay of RVA pacing was significantly longer than that of healthy control (100 ± 110 vs. ?6 ± 15 ms, P = 0.002), while there was no statistically significant difference between RVOT pacing and healthy control (?3 ± 99 vs. ?6 ± 15 ms, P = 0.919). Conclusions: LV rotation during RVOT pacing is synchronous at 15 months after pacemaker implantation, while RVA pacing provokes LV rotational dyssynchrony by inducing delayed apical rotation at 7 years after pacemaker implantation in patients with complete atrioventricular block. (Echocardiography 2011;28:69‐75)     

右室流出道起搏现状

右室心尖部作为传统的永久心脏起搏器植入位点,主要是因为电极容易放置及电极脱位率低。但是心尖部起搏属非生理性起搏,它使心室除极和机械收缩发生异常,从而导致长期的血流动力学紊乱(心室收缩和舒张异常)和组织结构的改变。随着近年主动固定的螺旋电极及螺旋电极操作手柄的问世,使右室流出道起搏成为可能。大量动物实验和临床研究提示右室流出道靠近房室结、希氏束部位,在此部位起搏心室激动和收缩顺序趋于正常,从而能明显的改善血流动力学指标。目前右室流出道起搏尚处于临床实验阶段,且关于右室流出道解剖位点的确定,适宜患者群的筛选标准、监测和评价指标的选择尚无统一的标准。其长期效果及能否改善患者预后等还有待更深入的研究。现就目前国内外关于右室流出道起搏的研究现状综述如下。     

Right ventricular outflow versus apical pacing in pacemaker patients with congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION: Prior studies suggest that right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing has deleterious effects. Whether the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is a more optimal site for permanent pacing in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) has not been established. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a randomized, cross-over trial to determine whether quality of life (QOL) is better after 3 months of RVOT than RVA pacing in 103 pacemaker recipients with CHF, left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (LV ejection fraction < or = 40%), and chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). An additional aim was to compare dual-site (RVOT + RVA, 31-ms delay) with single-site RVA and RVOT pacing. QRS duration was shorter during RVOT (167 +/- 45 ms) and dual-site (149 +/- 19 ms) than RVA pacing (180 +/- 58 ms, P < 0.0001). At 6 months, the RVOT group had higher (P = 0.01) role-emotional QOL subscale scores than the RVA group. At 9 months, there were no significant differences in QOL scores between RVOT and RVA groups. Comparing RVOT to RVA pacing within the same patient, mental health subscale scores were better (P = 0.03) during RVOT pacing. After 9 months of follow-up, LVEF was higher (P = 0.04) in those assigned to RVA rather than RVOT pacing between months 6 and 9. After 3 months of dual-site RV pacing, physical functioning was worse (P = 0.04) than during RVA pacing, mental health was worse (P = 0.02) than during RVOT pacing, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was slightly better (P = 0.03) than during RVOT pacing. There were no other significant differences between RVA, RVOT and dual-site RV pacing in QOL scores, NYHA class, distance walked in 6 minutes, LV ejection fraction, or mitral regurgitation. CONCLUSION: In patients with CHF, LV dysfunction, and chronic AF, RVOT and dual-site RV pacing shorten QRS duration but after 3 months do not consistently improve QOL or other clinical outcomes compared with RVA pacing.     

右心室不同部位起搏对心脏收缩同步性及心功能的影响

目的比较右心室流出道（right ventricular outflow tract,RVOT）起搏与右心窀心尖部（riht ventficular apex,RVA）起搏对心脏收缩同步性指标及收缩功能的影响。方法2004年1月至2005年1月在我院植入VVL／VVIR,DDD／DDDR起搏器的患者,随机接受RVA起搏和RVOT起搏。植入前检查12导联体表心电罔及超声心动图,记录QRS时限、左心室舒张末内径（LVEDD）、左心房内径（LAD）、左心事射血分数（LVEF）。植入后记录心室起搏状态下的QRS时限。随访时间为2年,随访内容包括LVEDD、LAD、LVEF,同时应用脉冲组织多普勒技术测定心室问激动延迟（IVMD）以及左心室内收缩同步性指标（Ts-SD）。结果共随访30例患者,其中RVA起搏17例,RVOT起搏13例,两组患者间年龄、性别及心血管疾病等基本情况筹异无统计学意义。植入前两组患者问QRS时限、LVEDD、LAD及LVEF差异无统计学意义,植入后RVOT起搏状态下QRS时限较RVA起搏明显缩短[（140．15±11．36）ms对（160．76±23．68）ms,P=0．033],植入后两组间IVMD[（25．7±9．1）mS对（36．7±10．0）ms,P=0．076]比较差异无统计学意义,两组问Ts—SD（13．34ms对42．96ms,P=0．001）比较差异有统计学意义;植入后随访两年,两组患者间LAD差异无统计学意义[（43±6）ms对（42±9）ms,P=0．759],同RVA组相比,RVOT组LVEDD缩小[（5．10±0．76）mm对（5．28±0．40）mm,P=0．048],LVEF明显增加（0．56±0．04对0．52±0．02,P=0．001）。结论同右心窄流出道起搏相比,右心室心尖部起搏对患者心功能呈负性影响,且加重左心室内不同步收缩。     

小儿右室流出道起搏

对于一些需要安装永久起搏器的患者来讲,由于易于固定,起搏阈值低等优点,右心室起搏常将起搏电极置于心尖部,但长期随访发现,心尖部起搏可改变心室激动顺序,导致心室收缩不同步,造成二尖瓣反流、心房颤动和心功能不全。研究发现右室流出道起搏对左室功能的保护较右室心尖部起搏有利,由于右室流出道起搏靠近His束,电活动近似正常生理状态,可使左右心室电-机械活动更协调,从而抑制心室重构并保护心功能,因此,右室流出道起搏是替代右室心尖部起搏的较好选择。     

Acute pacing-induced dyssynchronous activation of the left ventricle creates systolic dyssynchrony with preserved diastolic synchrony

Introduction: Patients with heart block have conventionally received a pacemaker that stimulates the right ventricular apex (RVA) to restore heart rate control. While RVA pacing has been shown to create systolic dyssynchrony acutely, dyssynchrony can also occur in diastole. The effects of acute RVA pacing on diastolic synchrony have not been investigated. RVA pacing acutely impairs diastolic function by increasing the time constant of relaxation, decreasing the peak lengthening rate and decreasing peak negative dP/dt. We therefore hypothesized that acute RVA pacing would cause diastolic dyssynchrony in addition to creating systolic dyssynchrony.
Methods and Results: Fourteen patients (13 ± 4 years old) with non-preexcited supraventricular tachycardia underwent ablation therapy with subsequent testing to confirm elimination of the tachycardia substrate. Normal cardiac structure and function were then documented on two-dimensional echocardiography and 12-lead electrocardiography prior to enrollment. Tissue Doppler images were collected during normal sinus rhythm (NSR), right atrial appendage pacing (AAI), and VVI-RVA pacing during the postablation waiting interval. Systolic and diastolic dyssynchrony were quantified using cross-correlation analysis of tissue Doppler velocity curves. Systolic dyssynchrony increased 81% during RVA pacing relative to AAI and NSR (P < 0.01). Diastolic synchrony was not affected by the different pacing modes (P = 0.375).
Conclusion: Acute dyssynchronous activation of the LV created by RVA pacing resulted in systolic dyssynchrony with preserved diastolic synchrony in pediatric patients following catheter ablation for treatment of supraventricular tachycardia. Our results suggest that systolic and diastolic dyssynchrony are not tightly coupled and may develop through separate mechanisms.     

右室双部位起搏与双室同步起搏的急性血液动力学对比研究

比较右室双部位 (RV Bi)起搏和双室 (BiV)同步起搏对血液动力学的影响 ,并与右室心尖部 (RVA)、右室流出道 (RVOT)、左室基底部 (LVB)起搏相比较 ,明确双部位起搏是否优于单部位起搏。 15例患者中病窦综合征 8例、Ⅲ度房室阻滞 7例。分别行RVA、RVOT、LVB、RV Bi、BiV起搏 (VVI,6 0～ 90次 /分 ) ,测定心输出量 (CO)和心脏指数(CI)、肺毛细血管嵌顿压 (PCWP)和QRS波时限 (QRSd)。结果 :①与RVA起搏相比 ,RVOT、LVB、RV Bi、BiV起搏CI分别增加了 7.5 %、11.3%、15 .5 %和 17.2 % ,PCWP分别降低了 14.9%、10 .3%、2 1.7%和 2 0 .0 % (P均 <0 .0 1)。②RV Bi、BiV起搏较RVOT、LVB起搏的CO、CI增高而PCWP降低 (P均 <0 .0 5 )。③RV Bi与BiV起搏、RVOT与LVB起搏之间CO、CI和PCWP无显著差异。④RVOT、RV Bi、BiV起搏的QRSd(分别为 12 8± 11,111± 16 ,10 3± 13ms)较RVA起搏 (146± 18ms)时显著缩短 (P≤ 0 .0 0 1) ,而LVB起搏 (142± 15ms)与RVOT、RVA起搏时无显著差异。结论 :RV Bi起搏和BiV同步起搏的急性血液动力学效果无明显差异 ,但双部位起搏的效果明显优于单部位起搏 ;双部位起搏的QRSd也比单部位起搏明显缩短     

右室流入道间隔部起搏对心脏血流动力学和心室激动顺序的影响

目的通过与右室心尖部(RVA)和右室流出道(RVOT)起搏比较,探讨右室流入道间隔部(RVIS)起搏对血流动力学和心室激动顺序的影响。方法选择24例阵发性室上性心动过速需行射频导管消融术(RFCA)且心功能正常和无室内传导阻滞的患者。在RFCA成功后,置入漂浮导管行血流动力学监测,用心室起搏电极以同一频率随机顺序起搏RVIS、RVOT和RVA,分别测定和比较各部位起搏时的心输出量(CO)、心脏指数(CI)、平均肺动脉压(mPAP)、肺毛细血管楔嵌压(PCWP)以及体表心电图上QRS波时限、JTc间期(经心率校正后的JT间期)和额面平均心电轴的变化。结果①RVIS、RVOT和RVA起搏时CO、CI、mPAP和PCWP等血流动力学指标均无差异(P>0.05)。②与正常窦性心律时QRS波时限比较,各部位起搏时QRS波时限均延长(P均<0.001),其中RVIS起搏时QRS波时限延长程度最小,RVA起搏时延长程度最大,各部位两两比较P均<0.05;JTc间期的变化有类似趋势,但各起搏部位之间比较无显著差异(P>0.05);与正常窦性心律时的额面平均心电轴比较,RVIS起搏时接近正常,RVOT起搏时电轴呈右偏趋势,RVA起搏时呈左偏趋势。结论①对心功能正常者RVIS起搏较RVOT和RVA起搏未表现出更佳的急性血流动力学效应。②RVIS起搏与RVOT和RVA起搏相比,能够保持相对正常的心室激动顺序。     

The Pacing to Avoid Cardiac Enlargement (PACE) trial: clinical background, rationale, design, and implementation

Background: Deleterious effect on left ventricular (LV) function was observed with conventional right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing. Preliminary data suggested that biventricular pacing (BiV) may be superior to RVA pacing in patients with LV systolic dysfunction. However, the optimal pacing mode and site(s) for patients with normal LV systolic function remain controversial.
Methods: The Pacing to Avoid Cardiac Enlargement (PACE) trial is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double blinded, parallel, controlled study aiming to determine if BiV pacing is better than conventional RVA pacing in preserving LV systolic function and preventing remodeling in patients with LV ejection fraction (EF) > 45% indicated for pacing. This study targets to recruit 200 patients from various centers in Asia, all of whom will receive BiV pacemaker implantation before being randomized to either atrial-based RVA or BiV pacing for 1 year. Their echocardiographic parameters including LV volumes, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and dyssynchrony index by tissue Doppler imaging, exercise capacity, quality of life assessment, neurohormone levels, and clinical events will be assessed before and after pacing. The primary endpoints are changes in LV end-systolic volume and LVEF 1 year after pacing. It is designed with 90% power to detect a 5% difference in the LVEF after 1 year of pacing. The enrollment began in 2006. It is expected to conclude at the end of 2008.
Conclusion: The PACE trial will determine whether atrial-based BiV pacing can preserve LV systolic function and prevent LV adverse remodeling induced by conventional RVA pacing in patients with normal LV systolic function and standard pacing indication.     

Synchronous Ventricular Pacing without Crossing the Tricuspid Valve or Entering the Coronary Sinus—Preliminary Results

Background: Right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing promotes tricuspid regurgitation (TR), electromechanical dyssynchrony, and ventricular dysfunction. We tested a novel intramyocardial bipolar lead to assess whether stimulation of the atrioventricular septum (AVS) produces synchronous ventricular activation without crossing the tricuspid valve (TV). Methods: A lead with an active external helix and central pin was placed on the AVS and the RVA in three dogs. High‐density electroanatomic (EA) mapping was performed of both ventricles endocardially and epicardially. Intracardiac echocardiography was used to access ventricular synchrony. Results: The lead was successfully deployed into the AVS in all cases with consistent capture of the ventricular myocardium without atrial capture or sensing. The QRS duration was less with AVS compared with RVA pacing (89 ± 4 ms vs. 100 ± 11 ms [P < 0.0001, GEE P = 0.03]). There was decreased delay between color Doppler M‐mode visualized peak contraction of the septum and the mid left ventricular free wall with AVS compared with RVA pacing (89 ± 91 ms vs. 250 ± 11 ms [P < 0.0001, GEE P = 0.006]). Activation time between the mid septum and mid free wall was shorter with AVS versus RVA pacing (20.4 ± 7.7 vs. 30.8 ± 11.6 [P = 0.01, GEE P = 0.07]). The interval between QRS onset to earliest free wall activation was shorter with AVS vs. RVA pacing (19.2 ± 6.4 ms vs. 31.1 ± 11.7 ms [P = 0.005, GEE P = 0.02]). Conclusion: The AVS was successfully paced in three dogs resulting in synchronous ventricular activation without crossing the TV.     

右心腔不同部位起搏的慢性血流动力学对比研究

比较右心耳 (RAA)、右室流出道 (RVOT)与右室心尖部 (RVA)起搏的慢性血流动力学效果 ,评价RVOT起搏的可行性。2 9例患者 ,9例RAA起搏、8例RVOT起搏、12例RVA起搏 ,分别在术前及术后 6 .11± 4 .0 1、5 .38± 2 .92、5 .5 0± 2 .88个月 ,用多普勒超声心动图观察右心腔不同部位起搏的慢性血流动力学参数 ,包括左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室内径缩短分数 (SF)、肺动脉瓣口峰值血流速度 (PV)、二尖瓣口E峰血流速度 (E)、A峰血流速度 (A)及比值 (E/A)。结果 :RAA起搏时 ,LVEF、SF分别下降为 4 .5 6 %± 3.71% ,3.33%± 2 .83% ,P <0 .0 5。RVOT起搏时 ,LVEF、SF、E/A分别下降为 6 .38%± 4 .6 9% ,4 .13%± 2 .75 % ,1.2 9± 0 .5 1,P <0 .0 1。RVA起搏时 ,LVEF、SF、PV、E、E/A分别下降为 1.4 2 %± 5 .32 % ,7.92 %± 3.96 % ,8.5 8± 11.33cm/s,8.17± 9.6 3cm/s,0 .2 7± 0 .2 9,P <0 .0 1或0 .0 5。A则上升为 7.91± 11.2 6cm/s(P <0 .0 5 )。RVOT起搏与RVA起搏相比LVEF、SF明显改善 (P均 <0 .0 5 ) ,且临床症状明显减轻 ;与右房起搏相比 ,E/A下降 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,其他指标在随访期内未显示出统计学意义上的差别。结论 :对于心功能较好的患者 ,右心腔不同部位起搏对慢性血流动力学均有一定程度的负面影响 ;R     

Further Deterioration of LV Ejection Fraction and Mechanical Synchrony During RV Apical Pacing in Patients with Heart Failure and LBBB

Electrocardiographic left bundle branch block (LBBB) may be due to intrinsic disease of the left bundle branch or induced by right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing. Prior reports clearly delineate the derogatory impact of LBBB on left ventricular (LV) mechanical function but suggest equivalent impact between varieties. We hypothesized that their effects were disparate and performed a within-patient comparison to test this notion. Patients (n?=?20) with heart failure, intrinsic LBBB, and an implanted pacing device with right atrial and RVA leads were studied. Each patient underwent transthoracic three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography during atrial pacing (intrinsic LBBB) and short atrioventricular delay atrial-RVA pacing, and these studies were compared. Relative to intrinsic LBBB, RVA pacing-induced LBBB produced greater intra-LV and interventricular dyssynchrony, a deterioration in LV function, and a shift in the site of latest activation. In patients with heart failure and LBBB, acute RVA pacing induces greater mechanical dyssynchrony and further impairs LV function.     

Right ventricular apex versus right ventricular outflow tract pacing: prospective, randomised, long-term clinical and echocardiographic evaluation

INTRODUCTION: In patients treated with permanent pacing, the electrode is typically placed in the right ventricular apex (RVA). Published data indicate that such electrode placement leads to an unfavourable ventricular depolarization pattern, while right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) pacing seems to be more physiological. AIM: To compare long-term effects of RVOT versus RVA pacing on clinical status, left ventricular (LV) function, and the degree of atrioventricular valve regurgitation. METHODS: Patients with indications for permanent pacing, admitted to hospital between 1996 and 1997, were randomised to receive RVA or RVOT pacing. In 2004 during a final control visit in 27 patients clinical status, echocardiographic parameters and QRS complex duration as well as NT-proBNP level were measured. Analysed parameters were compared between groups and in the case of data available during the perioperative period also their evolution in time was assessed. RESULTS: Out of 27 patients 14 were randomised to the RVA group and 13 to the RVOT group. No significant differences between groups were observed before the procedure with respect to age, gender, comorbidities or echocardiographic parameters. Mean duration of pacing did not differ significantly between the groups (89+/-9 months in RVA group vs 93+/-6 months in RVOT group, NS). In the RVA group significant LV ejection fraction decrease was observed (from 56+/-11% to 47+/-8%, p <0.05); in the RVOT group LV ejection fraction did not change (54+/-7% and 53+/-9%; NS). Progression of tricuspid valve regurgitation was also observed in the RVA group but not in the RVOT group. During the final visit NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in the RVA group: 1034+/-852 pg/ml vs 429+/-430 pg/ml (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with normal LV function permanent RVA pacing leads to LV systolic and diastolic function deterioration. RVOT pacing can reduce the unfavourable effect and can slow down cardiac remodelling caused by permanent RV pacing. Clinical and echocardiographic benefits observed in the RVOT group after 7 years of pacing are reflected by lower NT-proBNP levels in this group of patients.     

Acute Effects of Single‐site Pacing from the Left and Right Ventricle on Ventricular Function and Ventricular–Ventricular Interactions in Children with Normal Hearts

Objective. We studied, as a physiological benchmark, acute effects of right ventricular (RV) apical, RV outflow, and left ventricular (LV) pacing in children with normal cardiac function on LV and RV function and ventricular–ventricular interactions. Design. The design of the study was a prospective, acute intervention. Setting. The study was conducted in a tertiary care electrophysiology laboratory. Population and Methods. Seven children (mean ± SD, 12 ± 4 years) were paced after accessory pathway ablation, at baseline (AOO), and with atrioventricular pacing (DOO) from the RV apex, RV outflow, and left ventricle. Outcome Measures. Right ventricular dP/dT_max and RV dP/dT_neg (high‐fidelity transducer‐tipped catheters, Millar Instruments, Houston, TX, USA), cardiac index (Fick), blood pressure, and QRS duration were measured at each pacing condition. Intra‐ and interventricular mechanical dyssynchrony, systolic‐ and diastolic peak tissue velocities, and isovolumic acceleration were recorded by tissue Doppler imaging at the lateral mitral, septal, and tricuspid annuli at each condition. Results at each pacing condition were compared by repeated‐measures analysis of variance. Results. Pacing prolonged QRS duration, causing electrical dyssynchrony (86 ± 19 ms [baseline], 141 ± 44 ms [RV apex], 121 ± 18 ms [RV outflow], and 136 ± 34 ms [LV], P < .01). Right ventricular outflow pacing caused LV intraventricular delay (63 ± 52 vs. 12 ± 7 ms, P < .05). Right ventricular apical pacing caused interventricular delay (61 ± 29 vs. 25 ± 18 ms, P < .05). There were no significant changes in blood pressure, cardiac index, RV dp/dT_max, RV dP/dT_neg, regional tissue velocities, or isovolumic acceleration during any of the pacing conditions, indicating preserved ventricular function and hemodynamics. No important ventricular–ventricular interactions were seen. Conclusions. In children with normal cardiac anatomy and function, single‐site RV apical, RV outflow, and LV pacing induce electromechanical dyssynchrony without significantly changing ventricular function or hemodynamics, or adversely affecting ventricular–ventricular interactions.     

Intramural Dyssynchrony from Acute Right Ventricular Apical Pacing in Human Subjects with Normal Left Ventricular Function

Ventricular pacing causes early myocardial shortening at the pacing site and pre-stretch at the opposing ventricular wall. This contraction pattern is energetically inefficient and may lead to decreased cardiac function. This study was designed to describe the acute effects of right ventricular apical (RV_a) pacing on dyssynchrony and systolic function in human subjects with normal left ventricular (LV) function and compare these effects to pacing from alternate ventricular sites. Patients (n = 26) undergoing an electrophysiology evaluation were studied during atrial pacing (AAI) and dual chamber pacing from the RV_a, left ventricular free wall (LV_fw), and the combination of RV_a and LV_fw (BiV). Tissue Doppler imaging was used to measure intramural dyssynchrony by utilizing an integrated cross-correlation synchrony index (CCSI) from the apical 4-chamber view. RV_a and BiV pacing significantly reduced systolic function as measured by longitudinal systolic contraction amplitude (SCA_long) (p < 0.05) and LV velocity time integral (VTI) (p < 0.05) compared to AAI and LV_fw pacing. RV_a (and to a lesser extent BiV) pacing resulted in septal and lateral intramural dyssynchrony as indicated by significantly (p < 0.05) lower CCSI values as compared to AAI. CCSI was significantly (p < 0.05) worse during RV_a than LV_fw pacing. In patients with normal LV function, acute ventricular pacing in the RV_a alone, or in conjunction with LV_fw pacing (BiV), results in impaired regional and global LV systolic function and intramural dyssynchrony as compared to LV_fw pacing alone.     

右心室流出道间隔部起搏的可行性和稳定性

目的:本研究通过右心室流出道间隔部(RVOT)起搏与右心室心尖部(RVA)起搏的比较,评价RVOT起搏在目前植入技术条件下的可行性和稳定性.方法:42例无器质性心脏病患者,平均年龄(63.5±10.4)岁,随机分到RVA组(n=14)和RVOT组(n=28),所有患者均植入主动固定电极导线和带有自动起搏阈值测试功能的起搏器.通过手术时间、术中X线曝光时间及术中电极导线的各项参数评价RVOT起搏的可行性;通过急、慢性期起搏阈值及并发症评价RVOT起搏的稳定性.结果:RVA组和RVOT组的手术时间、曝光时间、术中电极导线各项参数等指标差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05);RVOT组急性期起搏阈值稳定性与RVA组相近(P=0.23);两组术后6个月时起搏阈值分别为(0.55±0.11)V和(0.54±0.09)V(P=0.787),差异无统计学意义;随访期中,两组并发症发生率亦相近.结论:在目前的起搏技术条件下,RVOT起搏的可行性和稳定性与传统的RVA起搏相近.