How can the rate-adaptive atrioventricular delay be programmed in atrioventricular block pacing?

AIM: To optimize recommendations for programming of the rate-adaptive atrioventricular (AV) delay. METHODS AND RESULTS: Optimal AV delay (AVD(opt)) is the net effect of the pacemaker-related interatrial conduction time (IACT), duration of the left-atrial electromechanical action (LA-EAC(long)) and duration of left-ventricular latency (S(V)-EAC(short)). It can be calculated by AVD(opt) = IACT + LA-EAC(long)-S(V)-EAC(short). We measured these three components in 20 DDD pacemaker patients (EF >45%) with the third degree AV block (AVB) at rest and submaximal ergometric exercise load of 71 +/- 9 W which resulted in a 31.5 +/- 9.9 bpm rate increase. Between exercise and rest, the components of and the final AVD(opt) showed no significant differences. Interatrial conduction time in VDD and DDD pacing varied by 2.3 +/- 8.4 ms and 1.4 +/- 8.8 ms, respectively, S(V)-EAC(short) changed by -2.6 +/- 21.8 ms and AVD(opt) by -3.5 +/- 33.3 ms and -4.3 +/- 37.8 ms in VDD and DDD operation, respectively. The greatest variation was of LA-EAC(long) by -8.4 +/- 32.7 ms. Linear regressions of the rate-dependent variations (Deltaf) in VDD operation yielded DeltaIACT(f) = 0.04Deltaf + 0.95 ms, DeltaLA-EAC(long) = -0.59Deltaf + 10.1 ms, and DeltaS(V) - EAC(short) = 0.14Deltaf -7.2 ms which resulted in DeltaAVD(opt) = -0.69Deltaf + 18.2 ms. CONCLUSION: A recommendation for programming of rate-adaptive AV delay in AV block patients cannot be given.     

CP13: OPTIMALIZATION OF AV INTERVAL (AVD) BY THE METHOD USING PULSE OXIMETRY SIGNAL AMPLITUDE CHANGES: EXPERIENCE FROM YEARS 1996-2002

PURPOSE: To optimize the AV delay in sequentially paced patients usinga method with beat-to-beat amplitude changes in the pulse oximetrysignal. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 94 patients with dual chamber pacemakers (60 men)were studied. Patients with a pacemaker enabling to change AVDat constant RR intervals were included. The beat-to-beat changesin the pulse oximetry signal amplitude were produced by instantaneouschange of DDI to VVI mode from various AVD (50-250 ms). Theseamplitude drops served to calculate atrial contribution (AC).The oAVD corresponded to the maximal AC obtained. RESULTS: From the whole group, 58 patients had repeated examinationswithin a time range of an hour to a year to evaluate the stabilityof the oAVD and reproducibility of the relationship betweenindividual ACs and AVDs. A total of 193 evaluations were performed.Thecurve illustrating the dependence of ACs on AVDs was stablewith time. A total of 108 examinations produced clear resultsshowing an oAVD to be within the AVDs 100 and 250 ms. The remaininginvestigations either showed that the patient did not exhibitany changes in AC with regard to AVD between 100 and 250 ms(47 cases) or that the optimal AVD was even beyond the maximaltested AVD (38 cases). AV delays below 100 ms were unexceptionallydetrimental in all patients. In most (81) cases there was arise in ACs in AVDs between 50 and 175 ms but additional increasein AVDs produced no significant change in ACs. In patients withheart failure the oAVD was longer than in healthy patients (36cases). CONCLUSIONS: The described method enables to identify the optimal AV intervalin DDD paced patients non-invasively, rapidly and observer-independently.The optimal AVD is rather stable and does not seem to exhibitan intraindividual variation even within a long period of time.     

Preimplantation echo Doppler evaluation of VVI versus DDD pacing

This study was carried out to select before permanent pacemaker implantation patients with complete atrioventricular block (CHB) who would benefit best from DDD pacing, and to determine the optimal atrioventricular delay (AVD) for each of those patients. This was achieved with the aid of Doppler echocardiography. The effect of different AVDs on both the systolic and diastolic function of the normal and failing heart was also delineated in this study. METHODS: Thirty patients with CHB and normal sinoatrial function were selected, with no age or sex predilection. These patients were categorized into three equal groups: groups A, B, and C with normal left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function, LV diastolic dysfunction, and LV systolic dysfunction, respectively. For each patient, systolic and diastolic function was calculated utilizing echo Doppler during CHB, temporary VDD pacing with different AVDs, and temporary VVI pacing with a rate matching that during VDD mode. Temporary VDD mode of pacing was performed utilizing a temporary bipolar ventricular lead for ventricular pacing and an esophageal lead for atrial sensing to trigger ventricular pacing. RESULTS: Qualitatively the most obvious change in the pattern of LV filling as AVD is increased in the three groups, is the earlier occurrence of active atrial filling A wave due to progressive approximation of the ECG P wave toward the previous QRS. As the AV interval is increased, the following changes occur: (a) A wave occurs progressively earlier with superimposition onto the early filling E wave resulting in a progressive increase in its velocity (VA), its FVI, and its percent atrial contribution (%AC); (b) the three times diastolic filling time (DFT), mitral valve opening to Q wave (MVO-Q), and closure (Q-MVC) progressively shorten; (c) since DFT decreases, less passive filling occurs early during diastole, thus E.FVI decrease with longer AV intervals; (d) the ratios VE/VA and FVI E/A decrease subsequently to the previous described changes. Compared to CHB, percent ejection fraction (% EF) was not significantly changed during VVI pacing. Percent EF increased significantly during VDD in comparison to VVI pacing modes. Percent EF was highest at optimal AVD and decreased as this AVD increased or decreased. The cardiac output (CO) increment during VDD in comparison to VVI pacing modes differed much among the three groups. In group A, a 10.29% increase in CO was seen when comparing VDD pacing (with optimal AVD) with that of VII one; in group B, this increment was much greater and reached 29.48%; in group C it reached 23.68%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Optimal Atrioventricular Delay in CRT Patients Can Be Approximated Using Surface Electrocardiography and Device Electrograms

Electrocardiographic AV Delay Adjustment . Background: Optimization of the atrioventricular (AV) delay (AVD) may result in an improvement in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) outcome. Previous studies have shown positive correlation between interatrial conduction time measured invasively during the implant procedure and optimal AVD determined postimplant using Doppler echocardiography. We hypothesized that the optimal AVD can be predicted noninvasively from surface electrocardiogram (ECG). Methods: The optimal sensed (SAV) and paced (PAV) AVDs were determined for CRT patients (n = 63) by programming different AVDs (in 20 ms steps, in random sequence) and evaluating Doppler images of the mitral flow (iterative method). The time intervals between atrial sensing (As) and pacing (Ap) to the end of the P‐wave (Pend) and to the right ventricular sensing (RVs) were measured from 5 ECG leads (limb, V1, and V3) and device telemetry during sinus rhythm and atrial pacing. Results: Optimal SAV was 120 ± 30 ms and correlated with As‐Pend (R = 0.69, P < 0.0001) and As‐RVs (R = 0.45, P = 0.0003). Optimal PAV was 172 ± 38 ms and correlated with Ap‐Pend (R = 0.65, P < 0.0001) and Ap‐RVs (R = 0.60, P < 0.0001). Regression analysis suggested a simple method of AVD adjustment by pacing the ventricles 40 ms after the end of the sensed P‐wave or 30 ms after the end of the paced P‐wave but not at the expense of biventricular capture. Such a method would have resulted in significantly lower deviation from echo‐optimal AVDs compared with programming fixed values. Conclusion: A simple method of providing 30–40 ms separation between the end of the P‐wave and ventricular pacing pulse can be used to approximate echocardiographically optimal AV delays. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1226‐1232, November 2010)     

Should we use the rate-adaptive AV delay in cardiac resynchronization therapy-pacing?

AIMS: Recommendations for programming the rate-adaptive AV delay in CRT. METHODS AND RESULTS: In cases of continual biventricular pacing, the optimal AV delay in CRT (AVD(opt)) is the net effect of the pacemaker-related interatrial conduction time (IACT), duration of the left-atrial electromechanical action (LA-EAC(long)), and the duration of the left-ventricular latency period (S(V)-EAC(short)). It can be calculated by AVD(opt) = IACT+LA-EAC(long)-S(V)-EAC(short). We measured these three components in 20 CRT-ICD patients during rest and submaximal ergo metric exercise (71 +/- 9 W) resulting in a 22.5 +/- 9.6 bpm rate increase. IACT and S(V)-EAC(short) did not reveal significant differences. LA-EAC(long), however, varied significantly by -10.7 +/- 16.1 ms (P = 0.008) during exercise. In contrast to AVD(optVDD), there was a significant difference in AVD(optDDD) of -8.8 +/- 14.5 ms (P = 0.014) between the resting and submaximal exercise conditions. In DDD pacing, AVD(opt) was shortened by 2.6 ms/10 bpm. CONCLUSION: In consideration of the findings of the studies performed to date, the rate-adaptive AV delay should be deactivated.     

The effect of different atrioventricular delays on left atrium and left atrial appendage function in patients with DDD pacemaker

Background: Although it has been known that optimization of atrioventricular delay (AVD) has favorable effect on the left ventricular functions in patients with DDD pacemaker, the effect of different AVDs on left atrium (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) functions has not been exactly evaluated. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of different AVDs on LA and LAA functions in DDD pacemaker implanted patients with atrioventricular block. Methods: Forty‐eight patients with DDD pacemaker were enrolled into the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the echocardiographic diastolic function: Group I (normal diastolic function) and Group II (diastolic dysfunction). LAA emptying velocity on pulsed wave Doppler and LAA late systolic wave velocity by using tissue Doppler were recorded. Patients were paced for five successive continuous pacing periods of 10 minutes duration using five selective AVDs (80–250 ms). Results: Significant effect on LA and LAA functions has not been observed by the setting of AVD in Group I. However, when the AVD was gradually shortened form 150 ms to 80 ms, LA and LAA functions gradually decreased in Group II patients. When AVD increased to 200 ms, LA and LAA functions were improved. Further increase in AVD resulted in decreased LA and LAA functions. Conclusion: Setting of AVD has not significant effect on the LA and LAA functions in patients with normal diastolic function, but moderate prolongation of AVD in physiological limits improved LA and LAA functions in DDD pacemaker implanted patients with diastolic dysfunction. (Echocardiography 2011;28:626‐632)     

Therapeutic optimization of atrioventricular delay in cardiosurgical ICU patients by noninvasive cardiac output measurements versus pulse contour analysis

BACKGROUND: Optimizing atrioventricular (AV) delay improves cardiac output and postoperative outcome. Impedance cardiography (ICG) is a non-invasive method for CO measurement. This study evaluates the ability of two ICG methods to determine the optimal AV delay (OAVD) and to compare ICG with invasive PICCO measurements. METHODS: In 14 cardiosurgical ICU patients (age 70.4 +/- 12.0 yrs) with temporary pacing wires, OAVD was determined by pulse contour analysis (PICCO) and ICG (conventional ICG [CI] and electrical velocimetry [EV] ICG monitors). Cardiac output (CO) and stroke volume (SV) were measured during DDD pacing with AVD varying from 70 to 270 ms in 20-ms increments. RESULTS: Measured OAV showed a linear correlation between PICCO and ICG: CI (r = 0.82, P < 0.0002) and EV (r = 0.84, P < 0.0002). The mean OAVD deviation between PICCO and ICG was 15.7 +/- 21.0 ms (CI) and 17.1 +/- 20.5 ms (EV). Hemodynamic parameters (SV increase OAVD against worst case) improved significantly (+ 11.7 +/- 7.2 %, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Inappropriate selection of AVD can compromise the hemodynamic situation of cardiosurgical patients. As it is totally noninvasive, ICG is a reliable and effective tool for tailoring AVD. Both systems (CI and EV) offer valid OAV determination.     

双腔起搏器不同房室间期起搏对心功能影响的研究

探讨双腔起搏器不同房室间期 (AVD)起搏对即时心功能的影响 ,并观察根据即时心功能调定的最佳房室间期对CHF患者长期疗效的影响。用M型和B型超声心动图比较了 6例无心力衰竭DDD起搏者和 14例CHFDDD起搏患者 (其中 13例存在缓慢型心律失常 )不同AVD起搏时心功能参数的变化。 14例CHFDDD起搏患者常规起搏 3个月后随机分为常规起搏组 (7组 )和最佳房室间期起搏组 (7例 ) ,起搏 3个月后随访心功能 (NYHA分级 )和心室腔径的改变。结果 :CHF组和无心力衰竭组不同AVD起搏时各项心功能指标变化均无差异 (P >0 .0 5 ) ;常规起搏组和最佳AVD起搏组起搏 3个月后NYHA分级和心室腔径无显著变化 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论 :经调定的短AVDDDD起搏不能改善CHF患者的心功能和心室重构。不宜将双腔起搏器最佳AVD起搏作为CHF患者的常规非药物疗法 ,对因纠治心脏电学异常而安装DDD起搏器的CHF患者 ,在无其他证据之前仍宜采用常规AVD起搏     

The hemodynamic benefit of differential atrioventricular delay intervals for sensed and paced atrial events during physiologic pacing

The ability to program different atrioventricular (AV) delay intervals for paced and sensed atrial events is incorporated in the design of some newer dual chamber pacemakers. However, little is known regarding the hemodynamic benefit of differential AV delay intervals or the magnitude of difference between optimal AV delay intervals for paced and sensed P waves in individual patients. In this study, Doppler-derived cardiac output was used to examine the optimal timing of paced and sensed atrial events in 24 patients with a permanent dual chamber pacemaker. The hemodynamic effect of utilizing separate optimal delay intervals for sensed and paced events compared with utilizing the same fixed AV delay interval for both was determined. The optimal delay interval during DVI (AV sequential) pacing and VDD (atrial triggered, ventricular inhibited) pacing at similar heart rates was 176 +/- 44 and 144 +/- 48 ms (p less than 0.002), respectively. The mean difference between the optimal AV delay intervals for sensed (VDD) and paced (DVI) P waves was 32 ms and was up to 100 ms in some individuals. The difference between optimal AV delay intervals for sensed and paced atrial events was similar in patients with complete heart block and those with intact AV node conduction. At the respective optimal AV delay intervals for sensed and paced P waves, there was no significant difference in the cardiac output during VDD compared with DVI pacing. However, cardiac output significant declined during VDD pacing at the optimal AV delay interval for a paced event and during DVI pacing at the optimal interval for a sensed event.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cardiac index and exercise during VDD/DDD versus VVIR pacing in children. The effects of atrioventricular delay

Twelve children with a VDD/DDD pacemaker during 100, 125, 150, 200 ms atrioventricular delays and VVIR pacing, cardiac index was measured at rest and evaluated by endurance time during exercise stress test. The optimal atrioventricular delay, which provides highest cardiac index, was 100 ms in three, 125 ms in two, and 150 ms in four and 200 ms in three patients. VDD/DDD pacing with different atrioventricular intervals resulted in a significantly higher cardiac index (6.70 +/- 3.06, 6.49 +/- 2.51, 6.15 +/- 2.35, 6.37 +/- 2.69 l/min/m(2), respectively) than VVIR pacing (5.25 +/- 2.39 l/min/m(2)) at the rest. However, endurance times to treadmill exercise were similar in both the optimal atrioventricular delay (21.6 +/- 3.7 min) and VVIR mode (22.4 +/- 3.4 min) (p > 0.05).     

Hemodynamic comparison of ventricular pacing, atrioventricular sequential pacing, and atrial synchronous ventricular pacing using radionuclide ventriculography

To assess the hemodynamic effects of physiologic pacing, 13 patients with DDD pacemakers who had varying degrees of atrioventricular (AV) block were studied with radionuclide ventriculography during VVI, DVI and VDD modes. Radionuclide ventriculography was performed with patient in the supine position at rest 5 to 10 minutes after the pacing mode and AV delay were changed. The AV delays selected were short (mean 147 +/- 4.8 ms) and long (mean 197 +/- 4.8 ms), with a constant difference of 50 ms. During VVI, 6 patients (group 1) had a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less (mean 22 +/- 11) and 7 patients (group 2) had an ejection fraction of more than 40% (mean 59 +/- 11). Comparisons of ejection fraction, end-diastolic volume and cardiac index between VVI and both modes of AV pacing (VDD and DVI) and between long and short AV delays led to the following conclusions: DVI or VDD pacing produces more beneficial hemodynamic effects than VVI, and these effects are more pronounced in patients with low ejection fraction if longer AV delay is used. The VDD mode significantly improves ventricular function over the DVI mode in patients with an ejection fraction of more than 40% independent of heart rate. Longer AV delay is essential in patients with an ejection fraction of 40% or less to improve ventricular function with physiologic pacing.     

双腔起搏房室延迟优化对心功能及神经内分泌因子的影响

观察双腔起搏不同房室延迟(AVD)对即刻心功能的影响,并探讨以优化的AVD起搏对心功能及神经内分泌因子的影响。用SwanGanz导管和彩色多谱勒心脏超声仪分别测定20例心功能ⅡⅢ级患者不同AVD起搏时心功能参数的变化,将心排血量(CO)最大的和/或平均肺毛细血管楔嵌压(MPCWP)下降最明显的AVD定为优化AVD。其后,所有患者分别进行8周常规AVD及8周优化AVD起搏,分别在8周结束时对患者进行心脏B超测试及测定血浆内皮素(ET)、心钠素(ANP)、肾素活性(PRA)、血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)、醛固酮(ALD)。结果:根据心导管及心脏B超测量的优化AVD分别为134±13ms及131±12ms。优化AVD组较常规AVD组对左室收缩功能指标有改善,但未达有统计学显著性差异。左室舒张功能指标在优化AVD组较常规AVD组明显改善。神经内分泌因子在优化AVD组较常规AVD组明显减低。结论:优化AVD起搏对心力衰竭患者远期心功能有改善作用,能明显降低有关神经内分泌因子。     

Total sympathetic activity and atrial natriuretic factor levels in VVI and DDD pacing with different atrioventricular delays during daily activity and exercise.

The purpose of the study was to assess at rest and during exercise total sympathetic activity, as expressed by plasma cyclic AMP (cAMP) blood levels and sinus node activity (SNA), as well as atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) blood levels in VVI and DDD pacing with long and short atrioventricular delays in DDD paced patients suffering from complete heart block. Clinical parameters, such as exercise time, and arterial blood pressure (ABP) were also taken into consideration. Thirteen patients (six males, mean age 65 +/- 2 years), were examined randomly in VVI and DDD pacing with 100 and 150 ms atrioventricular delays (AVD). Plasma cAMP and ANF were measured at rest, at peak exercise and 15 and 30 min after the test. The cAMP at rest remained unchanged whatever the pacing mode or the AVD, but 30 min after exercise, the cAMP levels were statistically lower in DDD pacing with short AVD (100 ms) than in DDD with long AVD (150 ms) or VVI pacing (cAMP DDD/100 ms: 16 +/- 0.8 pmol.ml-1, cAMP DDD/150 ms: 20 +/- 2 pmol.ml-1, P < 0.01, cAMP VVI: 29 pmol.ml-1, P < 0.001). ANF plasma levels at rest were significantly higher in VVI pacing than in DDD modes, with either long or short AVD (ANF DDD/100 ms: 93 +/- 10 pg.ml-1, ANF DDD/150 ms: 100 +/- 13 pg.ml-1, ANF VVI: 150 +/- 16 pg.ml-1, P < 0.001, P < 0.03 respectively compared to VVI).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Right atrial pacing impairs cardiac function during resynchronization therapy: acute effects of DDD pacing compared to VDD pacing

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the hemodynamic effects of right-atrial-paced (DDD) and right-atrial-sensed (VDD) biventricular paced rhythm on cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves hemodynamics in patients with severe heart failure and left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony. However, the impact of active right atrial pacing on resynchronization therapy is unknown. METHODS: Seventeen CRT patients were studied 10 months (range: 1 to 46 months) after implantation. At baseline, the programmed atrioventricular delay was optimized by timing LV contraction properly at the end of atrial contraction. In both modes the acute hemodynamic effects were assessed by multiple Doppler echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: Compared to DDD pacing, VDD pacing resulted in much better improvement of intraventricular dyssynchrony assessed by the septal-to-posterior wall motion delay (VDD 106 +/- 83 ms vs. DDD 145 +/- 95 ms; p = 0.001), whereas the interventricular mechanical delay (difference between onset of pulmonary and aortic outflow) did not differ (VDD 20 +/- 21 ms vs. DDD 18 +/- 17 ms; p = NS). Furthermore, VDD pacing significantly prolonged the rate-corrected LV filling period (VDD 458 +/- 123 ms vs. DDD 371 +/- 94 ms; p = 0.0001) and improved the myocardial performance index (VDD 0.60 +/- 0.18 vs. DDD 0.71 +/- 0.23; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that avoidance of right atrial pacing results in a higher degree of LV resynchronization, in a substantial prolongation of the LV filling period, and in an improved myocardial performance. Thus, the VDD mode seems to be superior to the DDD mode in CRT patients.     

Relationship between atrioventricular delay, QT interval and cardiac function in patients with implanted DDD pacemakers.

QT interval may change when cardiac function is improved by optimizing the atrioventricular the (AV) delay. The relationship between AV delay, QT interval and cardiac function in patients with implanted DDD pacemakers was studied in 12 patients (aged 71+/-12 SD years) with complete or high degree AV block. Cardiac output (CO) was measured using a Swan-Ganz catheter or by continuous Doppler echocardiography. The pacing rate was fixed at 70-80/min to eliminate the influence of heart rate. The AV delay was prolonged stepwise by 30 ms starting from 90 ms. All measurements were performed after 5 min of pacing. When the AV delay was prolonged, the CO and QT interval gradually increased and reached a peak, and then decreased. When the CO was increased from the minimum to the maximum value by optimizing the AV delay, the QT interval was significantly prolonged from 440+/-40 to 456+/-39 ms (P<0.002). The CO increased from 5.5+/-2.5 to 6.0+/-2.5 l x min(-1) (P<0.002) when the AV delay was changed, during which the QT interval was prolonged from the minimum to the maximum value. There was a significant positive correlation between the optimal AV delay at which CO was maximal (161+/-33 ms) and the optimal AV delay predicted from the maximum QT interval (167+/-29 ms, r=0.85, P<0.001). In conclusion, the optimal AV delay can be predicted from the QT interval.     

Haemodynamic benefit of a rate-adapted A-V delay in dual chamber pacing

In dual chamber pacing, an improvement of exercise capacityis expected when the atrial refractory period is shortened,because the 2/1 point is increased. This objective can be achievedby greatly reducing atrio-ventricular delay (AVD) on exercise.Are such variations (up to 100–120 ms) detrimental froma haemodynamic standpoint? This study was performed to analysethis particular aspect of DDD pacing. Three DDD pacing modes,differing by their AVDs (fixed 200 ms AVD, fixed 150 ms AVD,and rate-adapted AVD) were tested in random order, with a haemodynamicprotocol including ten patients with chronic atrio-ventricular(A-V) block. For the rate-adapted AVD pacing mode, AVD was reducedby 20 ms every 10beats min^–1 increment (from 220 ms at90 beats min^–1 to 100 ms at 150 beats min^–1). Pacingrate was increased from 90 to 150 beats min^–1 by incrementsof 10 beats min^–1 every 5 min. Cardiac performance was significantly improved with the rate-adaptedAVD above the two fixed AVDs, despite a large A VD variation.When A VD was rate adapted, cardiac index, stroke volume indexand left ventricular systolic work index were generally higherand pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary arterial pressureand systemic vascular resistances were generally lower, especiallyat 120, 130 and 140 beats min^–1. Comparing the two fixedAVDs, 200 AVD improved cardiac function more at lower heartrates, whereas 150 AVD improved cardiac function more at higherheart rates. Despite its limitations, this study demonstratesthat the potential benefits of reducing AVD with increasingheart rates should be twofold in dual chamber pacing:

1. haemodynamic,optimizing cardiac performance on exercise forall heart rates,especially in cases of organic heart disease;
2. electrophysiologic,permitting a sufficiently rapid maximaltracking rate in caseswith long post-ventricular atrial refractoryperiods, allowinga satisfactory level of exercise.

     

不同房室间期对双腔起搏左室收缩功能的影响

为探讨双腔起搏不同房室间期对左室收缩功能的影响及最佳房室间期 ,选择 18例置入DDD起搏器的病窦综合征患者 ,在DOO起搏方式下随机将房室 (AV)间期程控为 10 0 ,130 ,15 0 ,170 ,2 0 0ms,在超声心动图下观察左室收缩功能指标 ,每次测量间隔 5min以上。结果 :AV间期为 15 0ms时左室收缩功能最好 ,与AV间期为 10 0ms时相比 ,左室收缩功能明显改善。以心输出量 (CO)为标准 ,18例中有 9例AV间期在 15 0ms时CO最佳 ,5例在 2 0 0ms时CO最佳 ,3例在 170ms时CO最佳 ,1例在 130ms时CO最佳 ;以CO为标准 ,DOO起搏方式最佳AV间期为 16 6±2 4ms。结论 :双腔起搏的AV间期对左室收缩功能有重要的影响 ,以CO为标准 ,个体化地选择双腔起搏的最佳AV间期对改善患者的心脏功能有重要的意义。     

Optimal atrioventricular delay setting determined by evoked QT interval in patients with implanted stimulus-T-driven DDDR pacemakers.

Cardiac function is improved by optimizing the atrioventricular (AV) delay. An automatic optimizing function of AV delay may be necessary to achieve the most favourable haemodynamic state in paced patients. The QT interval may change when cardiac function is improved by optimizing the AV delay. The QT or stimulus-T interval is used as a sensor for rate-responsive pacemakers. Evoked (e) QT interval is measured as the time duration from the ventricular pace pulse (stimulus) and the T-sense point that is the steepest point of the intracardiac T wave (stimulus-T interval). The relationship between AV delay, eQT interval and cardiac function was studied in 10 patients (73 +/- 10 (SD) years old) with an implanted stimulus-T-driven DDDR pacemaker. Cardiac output (CO) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were measured by Swan-Ganz catheter. The AV delay was prolonged stepwise by 30 ms. Electrocardiogram event markers which indicated ventricular spike and sensed T wave were recorded, and the interval between two event markers was measured as eQT interval. When AV delay was changed from 240 ms to the AV delay at which CO was maximal (172 +/- 33 ms), eQT interval prolonged from 346 +/- 60 to 353 +/- 62 ms (P < 0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between the optimal AV delay at which CO was maximal (172 +/- 33 ms) and the optimal AV delay which was predicted from the maximum eQT interval (179 +/- 37 ms, r = 0.92, P < 0.001). When AV delay was changed from 240 ms to the predicted optimal AV delay, CO increased from 4.2 +/- 0.7 to 4.5 +/- 0.81.min-1 (P < 0.001) and PCWP was decreased from 7.1 +/- 4.0 to 5.7 +/- 3.1 mmHg (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the optimal AV delay can be predicted from the eQT interval which is sensed by an implanted pacemaker. Automatic setting of the optimal AV delay may be achieved by the QT sensor of an implanted pacemaker.     

Atrial Sensing and AV Synchrony in Single Lead VDD Pacemakers: A Prospective Comparison to DDD Devices with Bipolar Atrial Leads

INTRODUCTION: Single lead VDD pacing has offered an alternative to DDD systems in patients with isolated AV block. Up to now, however, the relative performance of these pacemaker systems was not systematically compared. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three hundred sixty patients who received either a VDD pacemaker (n = 180) or a DDD device (n = 180) with a bipolar atrial lead were investigated prospectively for a mean period of 30 +/- 13 months. Pacemaker function was analyzed by telemetry, Holter monitoring, and exercise ECG. Time of implantation and fluoroscopy was significantly lower with VDD devices (44.3 +/- 5.1 min vs 74.4 +/- 13.5 min and 4.6 +/- 2.5 min vs 10.3 +/- 5.6 min in DDD pacemakers, respectively). Intermittent atrial undersensing occurred in 23.3% of patients with a VDD pacemaker and in 9.4% with DDD devices (NS). The incidence of atrial tachyarrhythmias did not differ between the VDD (6.7%) and the DDD group (6.1%). Sinus node dysfunction developed in 1.9% of patients, but the vast majority (85.7%) of patients were asymptomatic. There was a tendency for a higher rate of operative revisions in the DDD group (6.1% vs 3.3% in VDD pacemakers, P = 0.15). Cumulative maintenance of AV-synchronized pacing mode was 94.9% in patients with VDD pacemakers and 92.1% with DDD devices (NS). CONCLUSION: With the benefit of a simpler implant procedure, long-term outcome of single lead VDD pacing is equivalent to DDD pacing in patients with AV block and preoperative normal sinus node function.     

Randomized prospective trial of atrioventricular delay programming for cardiac resynchronization therapy

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine if AV delay optimization with continuous-wave Doppler aortic velocity-time integral (VTI) is clinically superior to an empiric program in patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for severe heart failure. BACKGROUND: The impact of AV delay programming on clinical outcomes associated with CRT is unknown. METHODS: A randomized, prospective, single-blind clinical trial was performed to compare two methods of AV delay programming in 40 patients with severe heart failure referred for CRT. Patients were randomized to either an optimized AV delay determined by Doppler echocardiography (group 1, n = 20) or an empiric AV delay of 120 ms (group 2, n = 20) with both groups programmed in the atriosynchronous biventricular pacing (VDD) mode. Optimal AV delay was defined as the AV delay that yielded the largest aortic VTI at one of eight tested AV intervals (between 60 and 200 ms). New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification and quality-of-life (QOL) score were compared 3 months after randomization. RESULTS: Immediately after CRT initiation with AV delay programming, VTI improved by 4.0 +/- 1.7 cm vs 1.8 +/- 3.6 cm (P < .02), and ejection fraction (EF) increased by 7.8 +/- 6.2% vs 3.4 +/- 4.4% (P < .02) in group 1 vs group 2, respectively. After 3 months, NYHA classification improved by 1.0 +/- 0.5 vs 0.4 +/- 0.6 class points (P < .01), and QOL score improved by 23 +/- 13 versus 13 +/- 11 points (P < .03) for group 1 vs group 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiography-guided AV delay optimization using the aortic Doppler VTI improves clinical outcomes at 3 months compared to an empiric AV delay program of 120 ms.