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     

Single chamber atrial pacing: an underused and cost-effective pacing modality in sinus node disease

Objective—To determine the safety and cost effectiveness of single chamber atrial pacing in patients with sinus node disease.
Design—Retrospective follow up study.
Setting—Tertiary referral centre.
Patients—81 patients with single chamber atrial pacemakers implanted between 1992 and 1996.
Main outcome measures—The development of high grade atrioventricular block resulting in a further pacemaker procedure. The cost savings of changing our current pacing practice to conform with British Pacing and Electrophysiology Group guidelines.
Results—During the follow up period, four patients (5.8%) required a further procedure to upgrade their atrial pacemaker to a dual chamber system owing to the development of high grade atrioventricular block. In 1995 and 1996, 343 pacemakers were implanted in patients with sinus node disease; 19 (5.5%) received single chamber atrial pacemakers and 271 (79%) dual chamber pacemakers. If the current pacing practice was changed so that all patients received single chamber atrial pacemakers, with revision for symptomatic atrioventricular block, savings in excess of £206 000 would have been made in the two year period.
Conclusions—Atrial pacing in patients with sinus node disease is underused. The need for patients to undergo further procedures owing to the development of atrioventricular block is small and significant cost savings could be made by changing pacemaker practice.

Keywords: sinus node disease;  atrial pacing;  cost effectiveness     

Novel electrophysiologic parameter of dispersion of atrial repolarization: comparison of different atrial pacing methods

INTRODUCTION: Heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization plays a major role in reentrant tachyarrhythmias in cardiac tissue. However, the role of atrial repolarization added activation time (AT) to refractoriness in atrial vulnerability has not been investigated in detail. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population consisted of 34 patients: 18 with atrial fibrillation (AF) and 16 without AF (control group). The effective refractory periods (ERPs) in the right atrial appendage, low lateral right atrium, high right septum, and distal coronary sinus, and ATs from P wave onset to each electrogram during sinus rhythm and right atrial appendage, low lateral right atrial, high right septal, distal coronary sinus, and biatrial pacing were measured. Atrial recovery time, defined as the sum of AT and ERP, and its dispersions during sinus rhythm, right atrial appendage, low lateral right atrial, high right septal, distal coronary sinus, and biatrial pacing were calculated. Both ERP dispersion and atrial recovery time dispersion during sinus rhythm were significantly greater in the AF group than in the control group. Atrial recovery time dispersion during distal coronary sinus, high right septal, or biatrial pacing was significantly smaller than that during right atrial appendage or low lateral right atrial pacing in each group. In particular, atrial recovery time dispersion during distal coronary sinus pacing was the smallest of the five pacing methods in the AF group. P wave duration during biatrial or high right septal pacing was significantly shorter than during right atrial appendage, low lateral right atrial, or distal coronary sinus pacing in each group. CONCLUSION: Atrial recovery time dispersion is suitable as an electrophysiologic parameter of atrial vulnerability. Distal coronary sinus pacing may prevent AF by increasing homogeneity of atrial repolarization, whereas biatrial and high right septal pacing contribute not only homogeneity of atrial repolarization but also improvement of atrial depolarization.     

不同部位起搏对阵发性心房颤动患者心房激动时间的影响

目的　比较右心耳 (RAA)、冠状窦远端 (DCS)、右心房双部位 (右心耳加冠状窦口 ,DSA)和双房 (右心耳加冠状窦远端 ,Bi A)起搏对阵发性心房颤动 (PAf)患者心房激动时间的影响。方法 2 2例接受心脏电生理评价试验的PAf患者在窦性心律下行心房不同部位起搏 ,同步记录 12导心电图 ,测量最大 P波时限。结果　与窦性 P波时限相比 ,RAA起搏明显延长 P波时限 (P<0 .0 1) ,DCS、DSA及 Bi A起搏则明显缩短 P波时限 (P<0 .0 1,P<0 .0 1,P<0 .0 1)。结论　 DCS、DSA及 Bi A起搏明显缩短心房激动时间 ,减少心房电活动的离散度 ,有利于 PAf的防治。     

不同部位及不同方式心房起搏对心房激动的影响

目的 了解不同部位、不同方式心房起搏时P波、P－R间期以及心房激动顺序的特点，从而寻找最佳的心房单部位起搏方式。方法 对20例射频消融成功后的患者，分别放置高位右房、右心耳、Koch三角、希氏束以及冠状窦电极，若为左侧旁路则加置左心房电极，行不同部位、不同方式心房起搏。结果 Koch三角、Koch三角＋高位右房、左房、双房起膊时P波宽度、P－R间期无差异，但右心耳起搏时各导联P波增宽，P－R间期延长。从心房激动顺序分析，右心耳起搏时，激动传至希氏束区及冠状窦区的时间最长，而Koch三角、Koch三角＋高位右房及双房起搏时则较短，尤其是Koch三角、Koch三角＋高位右房起搏缩短更明显。另外，不同部位、不同方式起搏时右心房压力无差异。结论 Koch三角起搏在某种程度上可替代高位右房＋冠状窦起搏及双房起搏。     

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects using the Cardio-Seal implant

OBJECTIVE—To review the outcomes of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects using the Cardio-Seal implant.
DESIGN—A prospective interventional study.
SETTING—Tertiary referral centre.
PATIENTS—The first 50 patients (median age 9.7 years) who underwent attempted percutaneous occlusion.
INTERVENTIONS—Procedures were done under general anaesthesia and transoesophageal guidance between December 1996 and July 1998.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES—Success of deployment, complications, and assessment of right ventricular end diastolic diameter, septal wall motion, and occlusion status by echocardiography.
RESULTS—The median balloon stretched diameter was 14 mm. Multiple atrial septal defects were present in 11 patients (22%) and a deficient atrial rim (< 4 mm) in 19 (38%). In four patients (8%), a second device was implanted after removal of an initially malpositioned first implant. There were no significant immediate complications. All patients except one were discharged within 24 hours. At the latest follow up (mean 9.9 months) a small shunt was present in 23 patients (46%), although right ventricular end diastolic dimensions (mean (SD)) corrected for age decreased from 137 (29)% to 105 (17)% of normal, and septal motion abnormalities normalised in all but one patient. No predictors for a residual shunt were identified. Supporting arm fractures were detected in seven patients (14%) and protrusion of one arm through the defect in 16 (32%), the latter being more common in those with smaller anterosuperior rims. No untoward effects resulted from arm fractures or protrusion. There were no complications during follow up, although five patients (10%) experienced transient headaches.
CONCLUSIONS—The implantation of the Cardio-Seal device corrects the haemodynamic disturbances secondary to the right ventricular volume overload, with good early outcome.


Keywords: congenital heart disease; interventional catheterisation; atrial septal defects     

Incidence and modes of onset of early reinitiation of atrial fibrillation after successful internal cardioversion, and its prevention by intravenous sotalol

OBJECTIVES—To study the incidence and mode of onset of early reinitiation of atrial fibrillation (ERAF) following successful internal cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation, and to determine the effects of sotalol in the prevention of ERAF.
DESIGN—The incidence and modes of onset of ERAF and the acute effects of intravenous sotalol in the prevention of ERAF were studied retrospectively.
SETTING—Electrophysiology laboratory at a university teaching hospital.
PATIENTS—64 patients, mean (SD) age 62 (10) years, who underwent internal cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation (mean duration of atrial fibrillation 31 (39) months).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES—ECGs and intracardiac electrograms recorded during the internal cardioversion of atrial fibrillation using 3/3 ms biphasic, R wave synchronised shocks.
RESULTS—52 patients (81%) had successful electrical cardioversion, and 20 (31%) of these had ERAF during the procedure. There was no clinical predictor for the occurrence of ERAF. Fifty eight episodes of ERAF were observed. Five ERAF episodes (9%) had preceding bradycardia and 53 (91%) of these were triggered by atrial premature beats with normal preceding heart rate. Atrial premature beats that reinitiated atrial fibrillation had a shorter coupling interval (333 (43) ms v 396 (100), p < 0.001) and a lower prematurity index (0.44 (0.11) v 0.55 (0.14), p < 0.001) than those that did not reinitiate atrial fibrillation. Repeated shock delivery and increasing the defibrillation energy did not prevent ERAF. Intravenous sotalol infusion decreased the numbers of atrial premature beats and prolonged their coupling interval, and prevented ERAF after repeated defibrillation in 83% of patients with ERAF.
CONCLUSIONS—ERAF is a significant clinical problem after successful internal cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation, and was observed in up to 31% of patients. In most episodes, ERAF was triggered by short coupling atrial premature beats with preceding normal heart rate. Intravenous sotalol was effective in preventing ERAF in most cases.


Keywords: atrial fibrillation; low energy cardioversion; sotalol     

Coronary sinus pacing initiates counterclockwise atrial flutter while pacing from the low lateral right atrium initiates clockwise atrial flutter: Analysis of episodes of direct initiation of atrial flutter

Introduction: Rapid atrial pacing in sinus rhythm may directly induce atrial flutter without provoking intervening atrial fibrillation, or initiate atrial flutter indirectly, by a conversion from an episode of transient atrial fibrillation provoked by rapid atrial pacing. The present study was performed to examine whether or not the direct induction of clockwise or counterclockwise atrial flutter was pacing-site (right or left atrium) dependent. Methods and Results: We analyzed the mode of direct induction of atrial flutter by rapid atrial pacing. In 46 patients with a history of atrial flutter, rapid atrial pacing with 3 to 20 stimuli (cycle LENGTH = 500 − 170 ms) was performed in sinus rhythm to induce atrial flutter from 3 atrial sites, including the high right atrium, the low lateral right atrium, and the proximal coronary sinus, while recording multiple intracardiac electrograms of the atria. Direct induction of atrial flutter by rapid atrial pacing was a rare phenomenon and was documented only 22 times in 15 patients: 3, 11, and 8 times during stimulation, respectively, from the high right atrium, low lateral right atrium, and the proximal coronary sinus. Counterclockwise atrial flutter (12 times) was more frequently induced with stimulation from the proximal coronary sinus than from the low lateral right atrium (8 vs 1, P = .0001); clockwise atrial flutter (10 times) was induced exclusively from the low lateral right atrium (P = .0001 for low lateral right atrium vs proximal coronary sinus, P = .011 for low lateral right atrium vs high right atrium). Conclusions: Direct induction of either counterclockwise or clockwise atrial flutter was definitively pacing-site dependent; low lateral right atrial pacing induced clockwise, while proximal coronary sinus pacing induced counterclockwise atrial flutter. Anatomic correlation between the flutter circuit and the atrial pacing site may play an important role in the inducibility of counterclockwise or clockwise atrial flutter.     

Low dose amiodarone and sotalol in the treatment of recurrent, symptomatic atrial fibrillation: a comparative, placebo controlled study

OBJECTIVE—To assess and compare the safety and efficacy of amiodarone and sotalol in the treatment of patients with recurrent symptomatic atrial fibrillation.
DESIGN—Prospective, randomised, single blind, placebo controlled study.
SETTING—Tertiary cardiac referral centre.
PATIENTS—186 consecutive patients (97 men, 89 women; mean (SD) age, 63 (10) years) with recurrent, symptomatic atrial fibrillation.
INTERVENTIONS—65 patients were randomised to amiodarone, 61 to sotalol, and 60 to placebo. Patients receiving amiodarone were maintained at a dose of 200 mg/day after a 30 day loading phase. The sotalol dose was 160-480 mg daily, as tolerated.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES—Recurrence of atrial fibrillation or side effects.
RESULTS—In the amiodarone group, 31 of the 65 patients developed atrial fibrillation after an average of six months, while 15 (11 in sinus rhythm and four in atrial fibrillation) experienced significant side effects after an average of 16 months. In the sotalol group, relapse to atrial fibrillation occurred in 47 of the 61 patients after an average of eight months; three experienced side effects during the titration phase. In the placebo group, 53 of the 60 patients developed atrial fibrillation after an average of four months (p < 0.001 for amiodarone and sotalol v placebo; p < 0.001 for amiodarone v sotalol).
CONCLUSIONS—Both amiodarone and sotalol can be used for the maintenance of normal sinus rhythm in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Amiodarone is more effective but causes more side effects.


Keywords: amiodarone; sotalol; atrial fibrillation     

Prediction of the onset of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery using the monophasic action potential

Objective—To show that the monophasic action potential (MAP) recorded continuously from human epicardium may be used to predict the imminent onset of atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) following surgery, thus allowing prophylactic treatment to be started.
Patients—22 patients (14 male, 8 female; mean (SD) age 64 (12) years) undergoing aortic valve replacement.
Setting—Tertiary referral centre.
Methods—Over a mean observation period of 8 (2.7) days (range 4 to 14), nine episodes of AF were seen in six patients. Before AF, specific and significant alterations of the MAP morphology were observed. In seven of nine episodes the MAP shortened (25 (4)% 60 minutes before AF), developed a triangular shape, and the plateau amplitude decreased from 5.3 (1.2) to 2 (0.2) mV. In the two remaining episodes the beat to beat variability of cycle length and MAP duration at 90% repolarisation (MAPd₉₀) increased significantly from 24 (7) ms and 12 (8) ms (24 hours before AF) to 137 (27) ms and 56 (11) ms (30 minutes before AF) respectively. AF was successfully treated by the administration of sotalol in three cases and by a combination of verapamil and digoxin in a further four. Previously observed changes of MAPd₉₀ and MAP morphology regressed after conversion to sinus rhythm.
Conclusions—The continuous and intermediate term recording of the MAP from atrial epicardium appears to be a valid tool for detecting imminent AF after cardiac surgery with a high sensitivity (99%) and specificity (88%). Optimised antiarrhythmic treatment may thus be given selectively for prophylaxis.

Keywords: postoperative atrial fibrillation;  monophasic action potential;  postoperative management;  prophylactic antiarrhythmic treatment;  arrhythmias     

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects in adults with the Amplatzer septal occluder

OBJECTIVE—To assess the efficacy and complications of device occlusion of atrial septal defects in adults, using the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO).
DESIGN—A prospective interventional study.
SETTING—Paediatric cardiology departments in two European teaching hospitals.
PATIENTS—The first 20 patients accepted for atrial septal defect device occlusion, on the basis of transoesophageal echocardiography. Sixteen patients had larger defects with right heart dilatation, while the primary indication for closure in four was a history of early paradoxical embolism.
INTERVENTIONS—Transcatheter atrial septal defect occlusions performed under transoesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopic guidance between December 1996 and June 1998.
OUTCOME MEASURES—Success of deployment of ASO devices, procedure and fluoroscopic times, complications, and symptoms.
RESULTS—The ASO device was successfully implanted in all 20 patients (14 female), median age 44.2 years, with no complications. Of the 16 patients with right heart dilatation, the median Qp:Qs was 2.5:1. Defects measured 11-22 mm (median 18) on transoesophageal echocardiography, with balloon sized diameter (and device size) of 13-28 mm (median 20). For all 20 patients, the procedure time ranged from 38-78 minutes (median 61), and fluoroscopy 8.4-24.7 minutes (median 15.2). There were residual shunts in three patients at the end of the procedure, which were trivial ( 1 mm) as assessed by transoesophageal echocardiography, and persisted for more than six months in only one patient. Follow up ranged from 0.1-1.5 years (median 0.7). There have been no late complications.
CONCLUSIONS—The ASO device can be used successfully to close selected oval fossa defects in adults, with minimal procedural morbidity and excellent early results.


Keywords: atrial septal defect; interventional cardiac catheterisation; Amplatzer septal occluder     

Left atrial appendage anatomy and function: short term response to sustained atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE—To determine whether there is significant atrial or atrial appendage enlargement or functional remodelling as a result of one to two months of sustained atrial fibrillation, a duration similar to that experienced by patients undergoing warfarin anticoagulation before elective cardioversion.
METHODS—To test the hypothesis that left atrial and left atrial appendage enlargement develop as a result of short term atrial fibrillation, serial anatomical and functional indices were measured using transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) in 20 patients with recent onset atrial fibrillation (14 men, six women; mean (SEM) age 67 (2) years). Serial TOE was performed 2.5 months apart in patients with sustained atrial fibrillation.
RESULTS—There was no significant change in left atrial area (23.7 cm² to 24.1 cm², p = 0.98); length (5.7 cm to 5.7 cm, p = 0.48); width (5.2 cm to 5.2 cm, p = 0.65); volume (83 cm³ to 87 cm³, p = 0.51) or left atrial appendage area (7.9 cm² to 8.1 cm², p = 0.89); length (4.6 cm to 4.5 cm, p = 0.8); or width (2.5 to 2.4 cm, p = 0.87). Peak left atrial appendage velocity ejection (0.2 m/s to 0.2 m/s, p = 0.57), and presence of severe spontaneous echo contrast in the left atrial appendage (n = 15 (75%) to n = 13 (72%)) were also not significantly different. There was no correlation between changes in left atrial or left atrial appendage dimensions.
CONCLUSIONS—In the setting of sustained atrial fibrillation, significant left atrial and left atrial appendage functional and anatomical remodelling do not occur with atrial fibrillation of a duration similar to that used for conservative anticoagulation in preparation for cardioversion.


Keywords: atrial fibrillation; left atrial appendage; remodelling     

Different effects of abnormal activation and myocardial disease on left ventricular ejection and filling times

BACKGROUND—Ventricular activation is often abnormal in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, but its specific effects on timing remain undetermined.
OBJECTIVE—To investigate the use of the ratio of the sum of left ventricular ejection and filling times to the total RR interval (Z ratio) to dissociate the effects of abnormal activation from those of cavity dilatation.
METHODS—Subjects were 20 normal individuals, 11 patients with isolated left bundle branch block (LBBB, QRS duration > 120 ms), 17 with dilated cardiomyopathy and normal activation, and 23 with dilated cardiomyopathy and LBBB. An additional 30 patients (nine with normal ventricular systolic function and 21 with dilated cardiomyopathy) were studied before and after right ventricular pacing. Left ventricular ejection and filling times were measured by pulsed wave Doppler and cavity size by M mode echocardiography.
RESULTS—Z ratio was independent of RR interval in all groups. Mean (SD) Z ratio was 82 (10)% for normal subjects, 66 (10)% for isolated LBBB (p < 0.01 v normal), 77 (7)% for dilated cardiomyopathy without LBBB (NS v normal), and 61 (7)% for dilated cardiomyopathy with LBBB (p < 0.01 v normal). In the nine patients with normal left ventricular size and QRS duration, Z ratio fell from 88 (6)% in sinus rhythm to 77 (10)% with right ventricular pacing (p = 0.26). In the 21 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and LBBB, Z ratio rose from 59 (10)% in sinus rhythm to 74 (9)% with right ventricular DDD pacing (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS—Z ratio dissociates the effects of abnormal ventricular activation and systolic disease. It also clearly differentiates right ventricular pacing from LBBB. It may thus be useful in comparing the haemodynamic effects of different pacing modes in patients with or without left ventricular disease.


Keywords: dilated cardiomyopathy; pacemaker; left bundle branch block; echocardiography.     

低位房间隔起搏与右心耳起搏的临床对比研究

目的 探讨低位房间隔起搏与右心耳起搏在植入操作时间、起搏参数方面的差异.方法 选取40例因窦房结功能障碍或成人获得性房室传导阻滞导致的缓慢型心律失常行起搏治疗的患者分为两组.其中,房间隔组20例,采用主动固定螺旋电极行低位房间隔起搏;右心耳组20例,采用被动固定翼状电极行右心耳起搏.对比两组电极植入操作时间,电极植入时、术后1个月、3个月的起搏参数（阈值和阻抗）.结果 房间隔组与右心耳组比较,心房电极植入操作时间和起搏参数在术中、术后1个月、3个月差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论 低位房间隔起搏与右心耳起搏具有相似的电极植入操作时间以及相同的起搏参数,为临床起搏治疗的有效部位.     

External cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: role of paddle position on technical efficacy and energy requirements

AIM—To define the effect of defibrillator paddle position on technical success and dc shock energy requirements of external cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.
METHODS—301 patients (mean (SD) age 62 (11) years) with stable atrial fibrillation were randomly assigned to elective external cardioversion using anterolateral paddle position (ventricular apex-right infraclavicular area; group AL (151 patients)) or anteroposterior paddle position (sternal body-angle of the left scapula; group AP (150 patients)). A step up protocol was used, delivering a 3 J/kg body weight dc shock, then a 4 J/kg shock (maximum 360 J), and finally a second 4 J/kg shock using the alternative paddle location.
RESULTS—The two groups were comparable for the all clinical variables evaluated. The cumulative percentage of patients successfully converted to sinus rhythm was 58% in group AL and 67% in group AP with low energy dc shock (NS); this rose to 76% in group AL and to 87% in group AP with high energy dc shock (p = 0.013). Thirty seven patients in group AL and 19 in group AP experienced dc shock with the alternative paddle position; atrial fibrillation persisted in 10/37 in group AL and in 10/19 in group AP. Mean dc shock energy requirements were lower for group AP patients than for group AL patients, at 383 (235) v 451 (287) J, p = 0.025. Arrhythmia duration was the only factor that affected the technical success of external cardioversion (successful: 281 patients, 80 (109) days; unsuccessful: 20 patients, 193 (229) days; p < 0.0001). The success rate was lower if atrial fibrillation persisted for > 6 months: 29 of 37 (78%) v 252 of 264 (95%); p = 0.0001.
CONCLUSIONS—An anteroposterior defibrillator paddle position is superior to an anterolateral location with regard to technical success in external cardioversion of stable atrial fibrillation, and permits lower dc shock energy requirements. Arrhythmia duration is the only clinical variable that can limit the restoration of sinus rhythm.


Keywords: atrial fibrillation; cardioversion; electric countershock     

Predictors of loss of atrioventricular synchrony in single lead VDD pacing

Objective—To evaluate maintenance of proper VDD function, defined as persistence of sinus rhythm with atrial synchronous ventricular pacing, and to define factors predicting failure of the VDD mode in patients with atrioventricular (AV) block and normal sinus function.
Design—Observational study in 86 consecutive patients (mean (SD) age 74 (12) years; 38 women, 48 men) with single lead VDD pacing systems (Intermedics Unity, n = 66, Medtronic Thera VDD, n = 20), implanted for high degree AV block with documented normal sinus node. Pacemaker function was assessed by event counters, telemetric measurements, and Holter recordings. Demographic, radiological, and pacing variables were correlated with loss of proper VDD function.
Results—During a mean (SD) follow up of 10 (10) months (range 1-37), sinus rhythm and atrial triggered ventricular pacing were maintained in 70 of 86 patients (81%). Atrial undersensing was observed in nine patients, lead migration in two, atrial fibrillation in three, and symptomatic sinus bradycardia in two. Univariate predictors of loss of proper VDD function were: low position of the atrial dipole relative to the carina ( 6 cm; p < 0.01) during fluoroscopy; and maximum programmable atrial sensitivity of the pacemaker (p = 0.03). In a multivariate analysis, only dipole position remained predictive of outcome (p < 0.02). Not predictive were sex, age, symptoms before pacemaker implantation, cardiothoracic ratio or dilatation of individual heart chambers on chest x ray, side of device implant, and P wave amplitude at implant.
Conclusions—To maintain proper VDD function in the long term, a low anatomical dipole position relative to the carina should be avoided. Electrical guidance of dipole positioning does not seem to influence long term outcome.

Keywords: VDD pacing;  atrioventricular synchrony;  arrhythmias     

Randomised double blind trial of oral versus intravenous flecainide for the cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE—To investigate whether an oral loading dose of flecainide is as safe and effective as intravenous flecainide for the cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation.
DESIGN—Prospective, randomised, double blind, double placebo study.
SETTING—Cardiac care unit of a large district general hospital in the UK.
PATIENTS AND METHODS—79 patients presenting with symptomatic acute atrial fibrillation: patients were given either intravenous flecainide (n = 39) or a solution of oral flecainide (n = 40), with appropriate placebos. All patients were heparinised during the study.
PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES—Safety; mean time to cardioversion; proportion of patients restored to sinus rhythm at two hours and eight hours after treatment. Analysis was by intention to treat.
RESULTS—There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the oral and intravenous groups. Both forms of flecainide were well tolerated, with no adverse clinical events during the study. The mean time to cardioversion was 110 minutes in the oral group and 52 minutes in the intravenous group (p = 0.002). Two hours after treatment, 27 of the 40 patients in the oral group (68%) and 25 of the 39 in the intravenous group (64%) had reverted to sinus rhythm (p = 0.74). Eight hours after treatment, 30 patients in the oral group (75%) and 28 in the intravenous group (72%) had reverted to sinus rhythm (p = 0.76).
CONCLUSIONS—Intravenous flecainide restored sinus rhythm more rapidly than oral flecainide, but at two hours and eight hours after treatment there was no difference in the proportion of patients cardioverted by the two approaches. These results suggest a role for oral loading doses of flecainide in the treatment of acute or symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.


Keywords: atrial fibrillation; flecainide     

Effect of Bachmann's bundle pacing on atrial fibrillation: electrophysiologic assessment

BACKGROUND: It has recently been reported that simultaneous multisite atrial pacing, Bachmann's bundle (BB) pacing, and coronary sinus (CS) pacing are useful for preventing the induction of atrial fibrillation (AF). HYPOTHESIS: We investigated whether a simple pacing approach via BB could reduce the induction of AF by extrastimuli (S2) from the right atrial appendage (RAA). METHODS: Programmed electrical stimulation was performed from the RAA and the area of BB at the superior aspect of the atrial septum, and bipolar recordings were obtained from the RAA, BB, and CS in 14 patients. RESULTS: In five patients, AF was induced with critically timed RAA-S2 delivered during RAA pacing. However, AF was not induced in any patient when RAA-S2 was delivered during BB pacing. The duration of the P wave during BB pacing was significantly shorter than that during RAA pacing and sinus rhythm (BB 80 +/- 16 ms vs. RAA 106 +/- 36 ms vs. sinus rhythm 100 +/- 24 ms, p < 0.05). The intra-atrial conduction time to the distal coronary sinus (CSd) caused by early S2 at the RAA was significantly reduced by BB pacing (BB 114 +/- 22 ms vs. RAA 157 +/- 35 ms, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Bachmann's bundle pacing reduces atrial conduction time caused by RAA-S2 and may be useful for preventing the induction of AF.     

Dynamic morphology of the secundum atrial septal defect evaluated by three dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography

OBJECTIVE—To define by three dimensional echocardiography the pattern and potential determinants of contraction of a secundum atrial septal defect through the cardiac cycle, and to evaluate the possibility of using cross sectional transthoracic and transoesophageal imaging to assess the dynamic nature of the defect.
DESIGN—Three dimensional echocardiography was performed using a multiplane transoesophageal probe on 50 patients with a secundum atrial septal defect (median age 9.8 years). Nine patients were excluded because of poor images or morphological features that precluded defect measurement. In 41 cases, defect area, long and short axis length, and distance of the attenuated anterior rim were measured in their largest and smallest dimensions.
RESULTS—Defect area changed significantly through the cardiac cycle (mean change 61%, p < 0.0001; range 17% to 86%). The defect contracted symmetrically and was not related to patient age, defect size, heart rate, Qp/Qs ratio, the presence of an aneurysmal atrial septum, or attenuated anterior rim. In all cases with an attenuated anterior rim (n = 13), the length of the rim significantly decreased (p = 0.001) during atrial systole. Dynamic changes measured by either transthoracic or transoesophageal cross sectional images did not correlate with those obtained by three dimensional imaging.
CONCLUSIONS—Three dimensional echocardiography shows dynamic features of defects in the atrial septum. This information may lead to an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of atrial shunting.


Keywords: echocardiography; atrial septal defect; congenital heart disease     

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect and interatrial communications with a new self expanding nitinol double disc device (Amplatzer septal occluder): multicentre UK experience

OBJECTIVE—To review the safety and efficacy of the Amplatzer septal occluder for transcatheter closure of interatrial communications (atrial septal defects (ASD), fenestrated Fontan (FF), patent foramen ovale (PFO)).
DESIGN—Prospective study following a common protocol for patient selection and technique of deployment in all participating centres.
SETTING—Multicentre study representing total United Kingdom experience.
PATIENTS—First 100 consecutive patients in whom an Amplatzer septal occluder was used to close a clinically significant ASD or interatrial communication.
INTERVENTIONS—All procedures performed under general anaesthesia with transoesophageal echocardiographic guidance. Interatrial communications were assessed by transoesophageal echocardiography with reference to size, position in the interatrial septum, proximity to surrounding structures, and adequacy of septal rim. Stretched diameter of the interatrial communications was determined by balloon sizing. Device selection was based on and matched to the stretched diameter of the communication.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES—Success defined as deployment of device in a stable position to occlude the interatrial communication without inducing functional abnormality or anatomical obstruction. Occlusion status determined by transoesophageal echocardiography during procedure and by transthoracic echocardiography on follow up. Clinical status and occlusion rates assessed at 24 hours, one month, and three months.
RESULTS—101 procedures were performed in 100 patients (86 ASD, 7 FF, 7 PFO), age 1.7 to 64.3 years (mean (SD), 13.3 (13.9)), weight 9.2 to 100.0 kg (mean 32.5 (23.5)). Procedure time ranged from 30 to 180 minutes (mean 92.4 (29.0)) and fluoroscopy time from 6.0 to 49.0 minutes (mean 16.1 (8.0)). There were seven failures, all occurring in patients with ASD, and one embolisation requiring surgical removal. Immediate total occlusion rate was 20.4%, rising to 84.9% after 24 hours. Total occlusion rates at the one and three month follow up were 92.5% and 98.9%, respectively. Complications were: transient ST elevation (1), transient atrioventricular block (1), presumed deep vein thrombosis (1), presumed transient ischaemic attack (1).
CONCLUSIONS—It appears feasible to close interatrial communications and atrial septal defects up to 26 mm stretched diameter safely with the Amplatzer septal occluder. Short term results confirm an early high occlusion rate with no major complications. Careful selection of cases based on the echocardiographic morphology of the ASD and accurate assessment of their stretched diameter is of utmost importance. Further experience with the larger devices and longer term results are required before a firm conclusion regarding its use can be made.


Keywords: interatrial communications; atrial septal defect; Amplatzer septal occluder; congenital heart defects