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.     

右心室起搏导线位置对心脏再同步治疗效果的影响

目的 评价右心室起搏导线位置对心脏再同步治疗（CRT）效果的影响.方法 71例顽固性心力衰竭患者接受CRT手术,53例左心室导线植入侧壁或侧后壁,18例植入前壁或下壁（非侧后壁）;48例右心室导线植入心尖部,23例植入流出道间隔部.术前记录受试者心功能（NYHA分级）、QRS时限（QRSd）、左心室射血分数（LVEF）、左心室舒张末期内径（LVEDD）及左心室收缩末期内径（LVESD）;术后6个月对上述参数进行随访,比较不同右心室起搏部位对CRT临床疗效的影响.结果 术后6个月,右心室心尖部起搏组LVEF高于流出道间隔部起搏组[（0.44±0.07）对（0.40±0.07）,P=0.048],余心功能、QRSd、LVEDD、LVESD等各项指标均差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.根据左心室起搏部位进一步分为侧壁或侧后壁与非侧后壁两组,就侧壁或侧后壁组,右心室心尖部起搏较间隔部起搏可更好地提高心输出量LVEF[（0.45±0.07）对（0.40±0.08）,P=0.027],改善心功能[（2.59±0.59）对（3.00±0.68）,P=0.038],对于非侧后壁组,比较右心室心尖部与流出道间隔部起搏,各项指标均差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论 若无视左心室起搏部位,右心室心尖部起搏略优于流出道间隔部起搏;而对于左心室侧壁和/或侧后壁起搏者,应尽量将右心室导线置于心尖部,以获得较好疗效.     

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。     

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     

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)     

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.     

Functional abnormalities in patients with permanent right ventricular pacing: the effect of sites of electrical stimulation

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the long-term effects of alternative right ventricular pacing sites on myocardial function and perfusion. BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that asynchronous ventricular activation due to right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing alters regional myocardial perfusion and functions. METHODS: We randomized 24 patients with complete atrioventricular block to undergo permanent ventricular stimulation either at the RVA (n = 12) or right ventricular outflow (RVOT) (n = 12). All patients underwent dipyridamole thallium myocardial scintigraphy and radionuclide ventriculography at 6 and 18 months after pacemaker implantation. RESULTS: After pacing, the mean QRS duration was significantly longer during RVA pacing than during RVOT pacing (151 +/- 6 vs. 134 +/- 4 ms, p = 0.03). At six months, the incidence of myocardial perfusion defects (50% vs. 25%) and regional wall motion abnormalities (42% vs. 25%) and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (55 +/- 3% vs. 55 +/- 1%) were similar during RVA pacing and RVOT pacing (p > 0.05). However, at 18 months, the incidence of myocardial perfusion defects (83% vs. 33%) and regional wall motion abnormalities (75% vs. 33%) were higher and LVEF (47 +/- 3 vs. 56 +/- 1%) was lower during RVA pacing than during RVOT pacing (all p < 0.05). Patients with RVA pacing had a significant increase in the incidence of myocardial perfusion defects (p < 0.05) and a decrease in LVEF (p < 0.01) between 6 and 18 months, but patients with RVOT pacing did not (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that preserved synchronous ventricular activation with RVOT pacing prevents the long-term deleterious effects of RVA pacing on myocardial perfusion and function in patients implanted with a permanent pacemaker.     

右心室流出道与右心室心尖部起搏对心室收缩同步性和心功能的影响

目的研究右心室流出道(right ventricular outflow tract,RVOT)间隔部和右心室心尖部(right ventricularapex,RVA)起搏对心脏收缩同步性、收缩功能的影响,探讨RVOT间隔部起搏的意义。方法 50例病态窦房结综合征患者分为RVOT组(n=25)和RVA组(n=25),起搏器置入1个月后通过调整房室间期使心室节律全部为起搏节律或房室结自身下传节律,观察起搏参数,并行超声心动图检查。结果RVOT组与RVA组电极导线植入时间、X线曝光时间比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。全部患者未出现植入并发症。两组随访1个月时起搏参数比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。RVOT组和RVA组起搏后的QRS波时限较前明显增宽,差异有统计学意义[RVOT组:(135±8)ms vs.(88±8)ms,P<0.001;RVA组:(154±8)ms vs.(90±6)ms,P<0.001]。RVA组起搏后QRS波时限较RVOT组增宽更为明显,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。两组起搏后室间机械延迟(interventricularmechanical delay,IVMD)和室间隔-左心室后壁收缩运动延迟时间(septal-to-posteriowall motion delay,SPWMD)较起搏前均显著增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。RVA组起搏后IVMD和SPWMD绝对值较RVOT组显著延长,差异有统计学意义[IVMD:(38±7)ms vs.(24±5)ms,P<0.001;SPWMD:(118±21)ms vs.(60±11)ms,P<0.001]。两组左心室舒张末内径及左心室射血分数比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论右心室起搏会造成心室收缩不同步,RVOT起搏对心室收缩不同步的影响较RVA起搏小,提示RVOT起搏是较为生理的起搏位点。     

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。     

Identification of the right ventricular pacing site for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) guided by electroanatomical mapping (CARTO).

BACKGROUND: The optimal left ventricle (LV) pacing site for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been investigated, but less is known about the optimal site in the right ventricle (RV). The present study examined whether electrical resynchronization guided by electroanatomical mapping (CARTO) results in mechanical resynchronization. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study group included 13 patients indicated for CRT: 10 with nonischemic cardiomyopathy, 2 with ischemic cardiomyopathy and 1 with cardiac sarcoidosis, (mean LV ejection fraction: 32+/-10%). CARTO of the RV septum was performed to identify the site with the most delayed conduction time during LV pacing. Hemodynamic measurements were performed during conventional biventricular pacing with the RV apex and LV (C-BVP) and during biventricular pacing with the most delayed site of the RV (d-RV) and LV (D-BVP). Lead placement at 15 coronary sinus veins was examined in the 13 patients. During pacing from anterolateral veins (n=2), the d-RV was the RV apex (RVA) in 1 patient and the mid-septum in the other. During pacing from lateral veins (n=9), the d-RV comprised the RVA (n=3), the mid-septum (n=5), and the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) (n=1). During pacing from the posterolateral veins (n=3), the d-RV was the RVOT in all cases. In 11 of 15 sites, d-RV differed from conventional RVA. Compared with C-BVP, D-BVP produced a significant improvement in LV dp/dt. Furthermore, RV mid-septum and LV pacing markedly increased LV dp/dt and pulse pressure (PP), but RVOT and LV pacing did not. D-BVP vs C-BVP: %LV dp/dt 30+/-20 and 15+/-15%, p<0.05; RV mid-septum and LV pacing vs C-BVP: %LV dp/dt 35+/-20 and 10+/-15%, p<0.02, and vs PP 33+/-20 and 10+/-29 mmHg, p<0.02. CONCLUSIONS: For pacing from the LV lateral vein, potential improvement of cardiac performance compared with that by conventional RVA placement may be realized with concomitant pacing from the d-RV (mid-septum).     

Optimization of right ventricular lead position in cardiac resynchronisation therapy

BACKGROUND: The benefit of biventricular pacing (BiV) may be substantially affected by optimal lead placement. AIM: To evaluate the importance of right ventricular (RV) lead positioning on clinical outcome of BiV. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 99 patients with symptomatic heart failure and implantation of BiV system were included. Position of the left-ventricular (LV) lead was selected based on timing of local endocardial signal within the terminal portion of the QRS complex. RV lead was preferably positioned at the midseptum (n=74, RVS group) where the earliest RV endocardial signal was recorded. A subgroup of patients had RV lead placed in the apex (n=25, RVA group). NYHA class, maximum oxygen-uptake (VO(2)max), LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD, mm) and ejection fraction were assessed every third month. A trend towards greater improvement in NYHA class and significant increase in VO(2)max was present in the RVS group. Moreover, a significant decrease in LVEDD (DeltaLVEDD) was observed in the RVS group only (-3.4+/-6.5 mm versus +1.7+/-6.4 mm in RVA group at 12 months, p=0.004). No significant correlation between the degree of DeltaLVEDD and QRS narrowing induced by BiV was found. LVEDD reduction was predominantly present in dilated cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Midseptal positioning of the RV lead appears to promote reverse LV remodelling during cardiac resynchronisation therapy.     

Effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy on ventricular repolarization in patients with congestive heart failure

INTRODUCTION: Biventricular pacing has been shown to improve the clinical status of patients with congestive heart failure, but little is known about its influence on ventricular repolarization. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of biventricular pacing on ECG markers of ventricular repolarization in patients with congestive heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with congestive heart failure, sinus rhythm (SR), and complete LBBB (6 females; age 61 +/- 8 years; NYHA class II-III; echocardiographic ejection fraction 21 +/- 5%; QRS > or = 130 ms) underwent permanent biventricular DDDR pacemaker implantation. A high-resolution 65-lead body-surface ECG recording was performed at baseline and during right-, left-, and biventricular pacing, and the total 65-lead root mean square curve of the QRST complex and the interlead QT dispersion were assessed. The QRS duration was increased during right (RV)- and left ventricular (LV) pacing (127 +/- 26% and 117 +/- 40%; P < 0.05), as compared to SR (100%) and biventricular pacing (93 +/- 16%; ns). The QTc interval was increased during RV and LV pacing (112 +/- 12% and 114 +/- 14%; P < 0.05) as compared to SR (100%) or biventricular pacing (99 +/- 12%). There was no effect on JT interval during all pacing modes. The T(peak-end) interval was increased during right (120 +/- 34%; P < 0.01) and LV pacing (113 +/- 29%; P < 0.05) but decreased during biventricular pacing (81 +/- 19%; P < 0.01). A similar effect was found for the T(peak-end) integral and the T(peak) amplitude. QT dispersion was increased during right ventricular (129 +/- 16 ms; P < 0.05) and decreased during biventricular pacing (90 +/- 12 ms; P < 0.01), as compared to SR (114 +/- 22 ms). CONCLUSIONS: Using a high-resolution surface ECG, biventricular pacing resulted in a significant reduction of ECG markers of ventricular dispersion of repolarization.     

Spatial dispersion of action potential duration restitution kinetics is associated with induction of ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation in humans

INTRODUCTION: Action potential duration restitution (APDR) plays a role in initiation and maintenance of ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF). We hypothesized that the steeply sloped APDR and its spatial heterogeneity contribute to VT/VF inducibility in patients with ventricular arrhythmia. METHOD AND RESULTS: After programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) for evaluation of clinically documented VT, patients (n = 20, 15 male, age 52.5 +/- 9.5 years) were divided into two groups: inducible sustained VT/VF (IVT, n = 10) and noninducible VT/VF (NVT, n = 10). Data were compared with the corresponding results obtained from normal controls (C, n = 10). Right ventricular (RV) monophasic action potential duration at 90% repolarization (APD90) and ventricular effective refractory period (VERP) in the right ventricular apex (RVA) and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) were determined. APDR was acquired by scanning diastole with premature ventricular beats during a pacing cycle length of 600 msec (S1-S2) in all patients and by rapid pacing at the cycle lengths that induced APD alternans in three patients. Maximal slopes (Smax) of the APDR curves and DeltaAPD90 (APD90 at S2 400 ms - APD90 at the shortest S2) were measured. VERP and APD90 at each RV site did not differ among the three groups. Smax obtained by S1-S2 (1.6 +/- 0.6) did not differ from Smax obtained by rapid pacing (1.2 +/- 0.7), with a significant correlation noted between these values (r = 0.92, P < 0.01). The IVT group had a higher spatial dispersion of Smax (Smax at RVOT - Smax at RVA) compared to the C group (P < 0.05), with no difference between the NVT group and the IVT or C groups. The IVT group had a higher spatial dispersion of DeltaAPD90 compared to the NVT and C groups (P < 0.01, respectively). Smax at the RVOT (2.7 +/- 1.9) was steeper than that at the RVA (1.9 +/- 1.2, P < 0.05). Inducibility of sustained VT/VF was greater at the RVOT (83.3%) than at the RVA (50.0%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with ventricular arrhythmia, VT/VF is highly inducible under conditions of greater spatial dispersion of ventricular refractoriness and APDR.     

Evolution of left ventricular function in paediatric patients with permanent right ventricular pacing for isolated congenital heart block: a medium term follow-up.

AIMS: We aimed to assess the evolution of left ventricular (LV) systolic function in children with right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing for isolated congenital heart block (ICHB) and to identify possible predictors of LV function deterioration. Right ventricular apical pacing can be detrimental to LV function in a significant number of adults. Effects in children are still controversial. METHODS AND RESULTS: Left ventricular shortening fraction (LV SF) and QRS duration were retrospectively assessed in 45 children with RVA pacing for ICHB: before pacemaker (PM) implantation, immediately after and then regularly during a follow-up of 58.69 +/- 45.23 months. Patients were categorized as stable or deteriorators according to an arbitrarily chosen cut-off point of > or =7% decrease in LV SF. Lupus status was unknown. Overall LV SF did not change significantly (41.42% +/- 8.21 before pacing, 39.77% +/- 7.03 immediately after PM implant, 37.43% +/- 9.91 with chronic pacing, P = NS). Deteriorators (n = 13) had significantly higher baseline heart rate (57.5 +/- 8.7 vs. 46.9 +/- 10.5 bpm, P < 0.05) and baseline LV SF (46.17 +/- 8.13 vs. 38.4 +/- 6.4%; P < 0.05), a significantly higher proportion of them being implanted before 2 years of age: 8 of 13 (61.5%) vs. 5 of 25 (20%) in the stable group (P < 0.05). Deteriorators had a higher incidence of an initial epicardial lead and narrower native QRS. CONCLUSION: Permanent RVA pacing for ICHB does not necessarily affect LV function in children. The risk of deterioration of LV function seems to be higher in children with higher baseline heart rate and better baseline LV SF, especially with pacing at a younger age, a narrower native QRS and RVA epicardial pacing site.     

Cardiac resynchronization therapy in advanced heart failure the multicenter InSync clinical study

BACKGROUND: recent short-term observations have shown an improvement in cardiac function and heart failure symptoms from atrio-biventricular pacing. This study was designed to assess the safety and feasibility of an atrio-biventricular transvenous pacing system, and examine the long-term effects of cardiac resynchronization in patients with advanced heart failure and ventricular conduction abnormalities. METHODS AND RESULTS: between August, 1997 and November, 1998, 103 patients received a cardiac resynchronization system (CRS) consisting of a pulse generator interfaced with an atrio-biventricular lead system, including a lead designed for left ventricular (LV) pacing via cardiac veins. Baseline evaluation included 12-lead electrocardiogram, estimation of New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, assessment of quality of life (QOL), and distance covered during a 6-min walk (6-MW). Detailed echocardiographic data were also collected in a subset of 46 patients. Measurements were repeated in all surviving patients at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after implantation of the CRS. A single, self-limiting procedure-related complication occurred. Over a follow-up of 12 months, 21 patients died. The 12-month actuarial survival was 78% (CI 70-87%). Nine surviving patients were withdrawn from the study during long-term follow-up for miscellaneous reasons. At each point of follow-up, a significant shortening of QRS duration was measured. In addition, significant improvements were observed in mean NYHA functional class, 6-MW and QOL score. In the 46 patients with complete echocardiographic data, LV ejection fraction increased from 21.7+/-6.4% at baseline to 26.1+/-9.0% at last follow-up (P = 0.006), LV end diastolic dimension decreased from 72.7+/-9.2 to 71.6+/-9.1 mm (P = 0.233), interventricular mechanical delay decreased from 27.5+/-32.1 to 20.3+/-25.5 ms (P = 0.243), mitral regurgitation apical four-chamber area decreased from 7.66+/-5.5 to 6.69+/-5.9 cm(2) (P = 0.197), and left ventricular filling time increased from 363+/-127 to 408+/-111 ms (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: long-term cardiac resynchronization can be safely and reliably achieved by transvenous atrial synchronized right and left ventricular pacing. These changes were accompanied by clinically relevant improvements in functional status and QOL, as well as a measurable increase in LV performance. The outcome of randomised controlled trials is awaited.     

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)     

The BRIGHT study: bifocal right ventricular resynchronization therapy: a randomized study.

AIMS: The BRIGHT study evaluated bifocal right ventricular (RV) (apex and outflow tract) pacing in a single, blind, randomized crossover study in patients eligible for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Forty-two patients were enrolled with the following characteristics: chronic drug refractory heart failure New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III-IV; ejection fraction (EF)<35%; QRS width >or= 120 ms; and a left bundle branch block. The aim of the study was to assess an improvement in left ventricular (LV) EF, 6 min walk test, Minnesota quality-of-life score, and NYHA classification. Methods and result Patients were randomized to receive either bifocal pacing or the control mode, each for a period of 3 months. Parameters were measured prior to randomization and after 3 months of control or bifocal pacing. Eight patients failed to make the 7 month follow-up, three patients died (one prior to randomization at the first month), five patients dropped out, and three patients refused further participation. One patient had a persistent lead problem, which was subsequently replaced with an LV lead, and one patient suffered with persistent atrial fibrillation. Compared with baseline, bifocal pacing improved EF from 26 +/- 12% to 36 +/- 11% (P < 0.0008), NYHA classification decreased from 2.8 +/- 0.4 to 2.3 +/- 0.7 (P < 0.007). Furthermore, the 6 min walk test improved from 372 +/- 129 m to 453 +/- 122 m (P < 0.05), and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure scores decreased from 33 +/- 20 to 24 +/- 21 (P < 0.006). In the control group, no significant changes in any parameters were observed. Eight patients did not tolerate reprogramming from DDD BRIGHT to control pacing, with symptoms disappearing in all patients after reprogramming to bifocal pacing. CONCLUSION: Bifocal RV pacing in patients with a classic indication for CRT shows improvement in all parameters.     

Transoesophageal left ventricular pacing in heart failure patients with permanent right ventricular pacing.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of biventricular (BV) pacing for treatment of heart failure (HF) patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) evaluated responders to BV pacing with acute transvenous left ventricular (LV) pacing and arterial pulse pressure (PP). The aim of this study was to assess transoesophageal LV pacing in evaluation of the haemodynamic response with a view to upgrading responders from permanent right ventricular (RV) pacing to BV pacing. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ten HF patients (age 62+/-8 years; one female, nine males) in NYHA III, LV ejection fraction 24+/-9% and permanent RV pacing by means of an implanted pacemaker or ICD were tested using transoesophageal LV pacing and PP. Permanently RV-paced HF patients were analysed with transoesophageal atrial sensed LV pacing in VAT mode with a different AV delay (n = 6) and with transoesophageal LV pacing in V00 mode during atrial fibrillation (n = 4). In five responders, PP was higher during transoesophageal LV pacing than PP during RV pacing (74+/-42 versus 57+/-31 mmHg, P = 0.015). Responders were upgraded by means of an LV lead via the coronary sinus in the posterior (n = 1) or posterolateral (n = 4) walls and after attaining a high LV pacing threshold with an epicardial LV lead on the anterior (n = 1) or anterolateral (n = 1) walls. NYHA class improved from 3 to 2+/-0.3 (P = 0.003) during 204+/-120 days follow-up and cardiac output increased from 4.4+/-1.5 to 5.6+/-1.7 l/min (P = 0.027) when comparing BV pacing and optimal AV delay with RV pacing. In five nonresponders, PP was not higher during transoesophageal LV pacing than during RV pacing. CONCLUSION: Transoesophageal LV pacing may be a useful technique to detect responders to BV pacing in permanently RV-paced HF patients.     

Ventricular pacing lead location alters systemic hemodynamics and left ventricular function in patients with and without reduced ejection fraction.

OBJECTIVES: We compared left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function during right ventricular (RV), LV, and biventricular (BiV) pacing in patients with narrow QRS duration with and without LV dysfunction. BACKGROUND: The optimal RV pacing lead location for patients with a standard indication for ventricular pacing remains controversial. METHODS: Left ventricular pressure and volume data were determined via conductance catheter during electrophysiology study in 31 patients divided into groups with ejection fraction (EF) > or =40% (n = 17) or EF <40% (n = 14). QRS duration was 91 +/- 18 versus 106 +/- 25 ms, respectively (p = NS). Hemodynamic data were recorded during atrial and dual chamber pacing from the RV apex, RV free wall, RV septum, LV free wall, and BiV. RESULTS: In patients with EF > or =40%, RV pacing at 1 or more sites, but not LV free wall or BiV pacing, significantly (p < 0.05) impaired cardiac output (CO), stroke work (SW), EF, and LV relaxation compared with atrial overdrive pacing. Right ventricular pacing also impaired hemodynamics and LV function in patients with EF <40%. However, LV and BiV pacing increased CO, SW, EF, and LV +dP/dt(MAX) in patients with LV dysfunction. Left ventricular and BiV pacing enhanced an index of global LV cycle efficiency in patients with depressed EF. The detrimental hemodynamic effects of RV pacing were attenuated by selecting the optimal RV pacing site. CONCLUSIONS: Right ventricular pacing worsens LV function in patients with and without LV dysfunction unless the RV pacing site is optimized. Left ventricular and BiV pacing preserve LV function in patients with EF >40% and improve function in patients with EF <40% despite no clinical indication for BiV pacing.     

Biventricular pacing has an advantage over left ventricular epicardial pacing alone to minimize proarrhythmic perturbation of repolarization

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) by simultaneous biventricular pacing is now widely accepted as a new therapeutic option for patients with severe congestive heart failure (CHF). Recent studies have shown comparable hemodynamic benefits of left ventricular (LV) pacing alone. The clinical usefulness of CRT, however, might be compromised by potential exaggeration of arrhythmogenic substrates through a modification of ventricular repolarization. METHODS AND RESULTS: We compared ECG parameters during sinus rhythm (SR), atrioventricular synchronous pacing at the right ventricular apex (RV(end)P), at LV epicardium (LV(epi)P), and at both sites (BiVP) in acute homodynamic studies of 14 CHF patients scheduled for CRT (QRS duration = 144 +/- 23 msec, LVEF = 27 +/- 10%). The maximum rate of increase in LV pressure (LVdp/dt(max)) was decreased significantly during RV(end)P, whereas it was increased similarly during LV(epi)P and BiVP compared with SR. QTc was increased during RV(end)P (by 10.2%) and LV(epi)P (by 26.1%). QTc dispersion (QTc(max)-QTc(min) in the six precordial leads) was also increased during LV(epi)P (by 66.5%). These parameters were unaffected during BiVP. JTc was unchanged, and the interval from the peak to the end of the T wave (Tc(peak-end)) was increased slightly (by 19.3%) during RV(end)P. Both JTc and Tc(peak-end) were increased dramatically during LV(epi)P (by 18.2% and 55.4%, respectively), but increased only modestly during BiVP (by 6.6% and 15.8%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LV(epi)P causes much greater increase in spatial dispersion of ventricular repolarization than BiVP in CHF patients. BiVP may have a substantial advantage over LV(epi)P to minimize the proarrhythmic perturbation of ventricular repolarization in association with CRT.