Long‐Term Mechanical Consequences of Permanent Right Ventricular Pacing: Effect of Pacing Site

Optimal Right Ventricular Pacing Introduction: Long‐term right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing has been associated with adverse effects on left ventricular systolic function; however, the comparative effects of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) pacing are unknown. Our aim was therefore to examine the long‐term effects of septal RVOT versus RVA pacing on left ventricular and atrial structure and function. Methods: Fifty‐eight patients who were prospectively randomized to long‐term pacing either from the right ventricular apex or RVOT septum were studied echocardiographically. Left ventricular (LV) and atrial (LA) volumes were measured. LV 2D strain and tissue velocity images were analyzed to measure 18‐segment time‐to‐peak longitudinal systolic strain and 12‐segment time‐to‐peak systolic tissue velocity. Intra‐LV synchrony was assessed by their respective standard deviations. Interventricular mechanical delay was measured as the difference in time‐to‐onset of systolic flow in the RVOT and LV outflow tract. Septal A’ was measured using tissue velocity images. Results: Following 29 ± 10 months pacing, there was a significant difference in LV ejection fraction (P < 0.001), LV end‐systolic volume (P = 0.007), and LA volume (P = 0.02) favoring the RVOT‐paced group over the RVA‐paced patients. RVA‐pacing was associated with greater interventricular mechanical dyssynchrony and intra‐LV dyssynchrony than RVOT‐pacing. Septal A’ was adversely affected by intra‐LV dyssynchrony (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Long‐term RVOT‐pacing was associated with superior indices of LV structure and function compared with RVA‐pacing, and was associated with less adverse LA remodeling. If pacing cannot be avoided, the RVOT septum may be the preferred site for right ventricular pacing. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1120‐1126)     

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)     

心脏选择性部位起搏的电和机械同步性研究的初步报告

目的观察心脏不同部位起搏时的电及机械同步性和血流动力学变化。方法14例患者分别于右室心尖（RVA）、希氏束部位（His）、右室高位流出道间隔部（RVOT）起搏,记录心输出量和心脏指数;比较不同部位起搏和自身心律时12导联体表心电图的QRS波宽度和方向,以评价电同步性;用全数字化超声诊断系统的向量速度显像评价机械同步性。结果心输出量和心脏指数在RVA起搏时较差,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。各部位起搏时QRS波的宽度：His为（124±5．3）ms,RVOT（144±7．1）ms,RVA（156±8．6）ms,均较自身心律（92±4．5）ms时宽（P〈0．01）;而His及RVOT均较RVA起搏时的QRS波时限窄,其差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。向量速度显像检查提示,RVOT起搏相对于RVA起搏有更好的机械同步性。结论RVOT可能较传统的RVA部位起搏好,同时手术操作容易。     

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.     

右室心尖部起搏与右室流出道起搏对Ⅲ度房室传导阻滞患者疗效的对比研究

目的:比较右室心尖部起搏与右室流出道起搏对Ⅲ度房室传导阻滞患者心室间运动同步性及左室内运动同步性,以及对患者心功能的影响。方法:选取因Ⅲ度及高度房室传导阻滞患者置入双腔起搏器患者共38例。其中心室电极置入右室流出道者20例(RVOT组),置入右室心尖部18例(RVA组),超声心动图术前测量左室舒张末内径(LVEDD),左室收缩末内径(LVESD)、左室射血分数(LVEF)、E/A值、心室间激动延迟时间(IVMD)、室间隔与左心室后壁间收缩延迟时间(SPWMD)。术后1个月、12个月随访。结果:术后1个月,与RVOT组比较,RVA组IVMD、SPWMD明显延长[IVMD(39.83±6.01)∶(31.95±7.86)ms,P=0.02],[SP-WMD(97.83±20.81)∶(84.6±10.89)ms,P=0.023]。术后12个月,与ROVT组比较,RVA组LVEDD明显增大[(49.11±2.39)∶(47.4±1.96)mm,P=0.02],LVESD明显增大[(34.28±3.41)∶(32.5±1.5)mm,P=0.04];LVEF明显降低[(59.56±3.38)∶(62.8±2.14)%,...     

VVI单腔起搏器置入右心室流出道起搏的疗效观察及比较研究

目的观察并比较VVI单腔起搏器置入右心室流出道和右心室心尖部对心动过缓患者6个月后心脏电机械同步性的影响。方法入选20例房颤伴房室传导阻滞及心动过缓需置入VVI单腔起搏器的患者，将右心室流出道起搏的患者10例作为治疗组，同时行右心室心尖部起搏的另外10例作为对照组。观察并比较置人起搏器前后两组的起搏参数、QRS宽度、心功能和生活质量评分情况。结果随访6个月时，两组在起搏阈值、感知阈值、电极阻抗方面差异无统计学意义[（0.48±0．1）mV和（0．56±0．12）mV；（14．7±1．2）V和（12．6±2．3）V；（904±56）Ω和（（815±45）Ω，P〉0．05]，而右心室流出道起搏组的QRS宽度明显缩短[（108．3±11．2）ms和（134．5±12．6）ms，P〈0．05]，且心功能和生活质量评分明显改善[（58．9±2．5）％和（54．3±2．5）％，61．8±2．3和56．2±5．1，P〈0．05]。结论VVI单腔起搏器置入右心室流出道起搏较心尖部起搏更接近生理情况，能增加患者的心脏电机械同步性，提高心功能及改善预后。     

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。     

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     

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.     

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 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.     

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.     

实时三维超声心动图评价右室不同部位起搏对左室收缩同步性的近期影响

目的应用实时三维超声心动图技术评价VVI单腔起搏器置入右室流出道间隔部(RVOT)和右室心尖部(RVA)对左室收缩同步性的近期影响。方法40例房室传导阻滞及心动过缓需置入VVI单腔起搏器的患者,按起搏部位的不同分为RVOT组(n=20)和RVA组(n=20)。观察并比较两组置入起搏器后1周的起搏参数;术前及术后1周左室收缩同步性和心功能等指标。结果术后1周,两组起搏阈值、感知阈值、电极阻抗以及心功能无差异(P>0.05),RVOT组左室同步性指标术前与术后无差异(P>0.05),RVA组左室同步性指标较术前升高,且RVA组较RVOT组明显升高(P均<0.05)。结论VVI单腔起搏右室不同部位,RVOT较RVA更接近生理情况。     

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     

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。     

Comparison of Two Different Speckle Tracking Software Systems: Does the Method Matter?

Background: Echocardiographic speckle tracking strain has gained clinical importance. However, the comparability of measurements between different software systems is not well defined. Methods: In 47 healthy subjects left ventricular (LV) two‐dimensional (2D) peak strain and time to peak strain (TTP) generated by EchoPAC (2DS) and velocity vector imaging (VVI) were compared. For each type of strain (longitudinal [LS], circumferential [CS], and radial strain [RS]) we compared global, anatomical level and segmental values. Results: When comparing 2DS to VVI, Pearson correlation coefficients (r) of global LS, CS, and RS were 0.68, 0.44, and 0.59, respectively (all P < 0.05). Correlation of global TTP was higher: 0.81(LS), 0.80 (CS), and 0.68 (RS), all P < 0.01. Segmental peak strain differed significantly between 2DS and VVI in 8/18 (LS), 17/18 (CS), and 15/18 (RS) LV segments (P < 0.05). However, segmental TTP significantly differed only in 5/18 (LS), 7/18 (CS), and 4/18 (RS) of LV segments. Similar strain gradients were found for both systems: apical strain was higher than basal and midventricular strain in LS and CS, with a reversed pattern for RS (P < 0.05). Conclusion: TTP strain as well as strain gradients were comparable between VVI and 2DS, but most peak strain values were not. The software‐dependency of peak strain values must be considered in clinical application. Further studies comparing the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of strain values generated by different software systems are mandatory. (Echocardiography 2011;28:539‐547)     

Hemodynamic improvement by right ventricular septal pacing in elderly patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and slow ventricular response

Background and objectives Right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing has been reported impairing left ventricular (LV) performance. Alternative pacing sites in right ventricle (RV) has been explored to obtain better cardiac function. Our study was designed to compare the hemodynamic effects of right ventricular septal (RVS) pacing with RVA pacing. Methods Ten elderly patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) and long RR interval or slow ventricular response (VR) received VVI pacing. The hemodynamic difference between RVS and RVA pacing were examined by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Results Pacing leads were implanted successfully at the RVA and then RVS in all patients without complication. The left ventricular (LV) parameters, measured during RVA pacing including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), FS, stroke volume (SV) and peak E wave velocity (EV) were decreased significantly compared to baseline data, while during RVS pacing, they were significantly better than those during RVA pacing. However, after 3-6 weeks there was no statistical significant difference between pre- and post- RVS pacing. Conclusions The LV hemodynamic parameters during RVA pacing were significantly worse than baseline data. The short term LV hemodynamic parameters of RVS pacing were significantly better than those of RVA pacing; RVS pacing could improve the hemodynamic effect through maintaining normal ventricular activation sequence and biventricular contraction synchrony in patients with chronic AF and slow ventricular response.(J Geriatr Cardiol 2005,2(2): 103-106).     

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.     

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。     

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.