DDD(R)-pacing, but not AAI(R)-pacing induces left ventricular desynchronization in patients with sick sinus syndrome: tissue-Doppler and 3D echocardiographic evaluation in a randomized controlled comparison.

AIMS: Increasing evidence from randomized trials and experimental studies indicates that right ventricular (RV) pacing may induce congestive heart failure. We studied regional left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony and global LV function in 50 consecutive patients with sick sinus syndrome (SSS) randomized to either atrial pacing [AAI(R)] or dual chamber RV-pacing [DDD(R)]. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty consecutive patients were randomized to AAI(R) or DDD(R)-pacing. Tissue-Doppler imaging was used to quantify LV dyssynchrony in terms of number of segments with delayed longitudinal contraction (DLC). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured using three-dimensional echocardiography. Dyssynchrony was more pronounced in the DDD(R)-group than in the AAI(R)-group at the 12 months follow-up (P < 0.05). This reflected a significant increase of dyssynchrony in the DDD(R)-group from baseline to the 12 months follow-up (1.3 +/- 1 to 2.1 +/- 1 segments displaying DLC per patient), P < 0.05. No change was observed in the AAI(R)-group (1.6 +/- 2 to 1.3 +/- 2 segments displaying DLC per patient, NS). No difference in LVEF, NYHA or NT-proBNP was observed between AAI(R)- and DDD(R)-mode after 12 months of pacing although LVEF decreased significantly in the DDD(R)-group from baseline (63.1 +/- 8%) to the 12 months follow-up (59.3 +/- 8%, P < 0.05), while LVEF remained unchanged in the AAI(R)-group (61.5 +/- 11% at baseline vs. 62.3 +/- 7% after 12 months, NS. CONCLUSION: In patients with SSS, DDD(R)-pacing but not AAI(R)-pacing induces significant LV desynchronization and reduction of LVEF.     

不同起搏模式对病态窦房结综合征患者心功能长期影响的探讨

目的前瞻性观察不同起搏模式对心功能长期的影响并探讨可能机制。方法 185例病态窦房结综合征（SSS）患者均采用常规方法经锁骨下静脉途径成功置入永久双腔心脏起搏器,术后即刻程控起搏器,根据SAS软件的PROC程序产生一组随机序列分为AAI（92例）及DDD（93例）起搏组。采用心脏超声观察术前,术后1、2、5年左室舒张末容积（LVEDV）、左室收缩末容积（LVESV）及左室射血分数（LVEF）的变化,比较两种起搏模式对左心功能的影响;术后1、2及5年进行随访结合起搏器程控记录房颤发生并记录DDD起搏组右室起搏百分比（VP%）,探讨VP%与心功能变化及房颤发生的关系。结果 AAI起搏组术前,术后1、2、5年随访LVEDV,LVESV及LVEF比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,DDD起搏组术前、术后1、2、5年LVEDV差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,术后5年LVESV（60.33±13.28）ml较术后1、2年增加,差异有统计学意义（F=2.7388,P〈0.05）,术后5年LVEF（41.75±8.74）%较术前、术后1、2年明显降低,差异有统计学意义（F=33.4393,P〈0.05）;AAI组与DDD组房颤的发生差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。术后5年DDD组中〈50%VP%,组中出现房颤患者为3例,≥50%VP%组中出现房颤患者为15例,两组之间房颤的发生率差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论在DDD起搏模式下,高的VP%可对患者的左心功能造成损害并增加房颤的发生。对于不合并房室传导阻滞的SSS患者,AAI起搏较DDD起搏能使患者更受益。     

AAI与DDD起搏对病窦综合征患者的影响

目的比较AAI与DDD起搏方式对有正常房室传导功能的病窦综合征患者预后的长期影响。方法104例因病窦综合征置入起搏器的患者,按不同起搏方式分为两组:AAI组36例,DDD组68例。术后随访内容包括起搏器程控,患者的症状、体征,心电图和/或动态心电图,超声心动图及心功能分级(NYHA)。主要终点为心房颤动(简称房颤)的发生率,次要终点为脑卒中的发生率,心功能分级及超声心动图检查指标。结果随访43.2±15.7(21～79)个月,①DDD组房颤发生率明显高于AAI组(20.6%vs5.6%,P<0.05),而脑卒中发生率无差异(7.4%vs2.8%,P>0.05);②左房内径、左室舒张末期内径和左室射血分数在AAI组置入前后无差异,而DDD组术后左房内径、左室舒张末期内径增大,左室射血分数下降(P均<0.05);③AAI组与DDD组比较,对心功能影响较小。结论对于房室传导功能正常的病窦综合征患者,与DDD起搏比较,AAI起搏房颤发生率较低,对心功能影响较小,更符合生理性。     

Relative importance of activation sequence compared to atrioventricular synchrony in left ventricular function

This study evaluated the relative hemodynamic importance of a normal left ventricular (LV) activation sequence compared to atrioventricular (AV) synchrony with respect to systolic and diastolic function. Twelve patients with intact AV conduction and AV sequential pacemakers underwent radionuclide studies at rest and Doppler echocardiographic studies at rest and during submaximal exercise, comparing atrial demand pacing (AAI) to sequential AV sensing pacing (DDD) and ventricular demand pacing (VVI). Studies at rest were performed at a constant heart rate between pacing modes, and the exercise study was performed at a constant heart rate and work load. Cardiac output was higher during AAI than during both DDD and VVI (6.2 +/- 1 vs 5.6 +/- 1 and 5.3 +/- 1 liters/min, p less than 0.05). LV ejection fraction was likewise higher during AAI (55 +/- 12 vs 49 +/- 11 vs 51 +/- 13, p less than 0.05). VVI with or without AV synchrony was associated with a paradoxical septal motion pattern, resulting in a 25% impairment of regional septal ejection fraction. In addition, LV contraction duration was more homogenous during AAI. Peak filling rate during AAI and VVI was higher than during DDD (2.86 +/- 1 and 2.95 +/- 1 vs 2.25 +/- 1 end-diastolic volume/s; p less than 0.05). During VVI, the time to peak filling was significantly shorter than during both AAI and DDD (165 +/- 34 vs 239 +/- 99 and 224 +/- 99 ms; p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

起搏方式对病态窦房结综合征患者的随访研究

目的 比较AAI起搏器与DDD起搏器不同的起搏方式对病态窦房结综合征(SSS)患者预后的长期影响.方法 86例因SSS植入起搏器的患者,按不同起搏方式分为两组,AAI起搏组32例,DDD起搏组54例.植入术后随访内容包括起搏器程控,患者的症状、体征,心电图或动态心电图,超声心动图及心功能.研究终点(1)心房颤动的发生率;(2)脑卒中的发生率;(3)心功能分级及超声心动图检查指标.结果 随访20～80(42.1±15.7)个月,(1)DDD组心房颤动(房颤)发生率明显高于AAI组(P＜0.05);(2)脑卒中发生率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);(3)左心房内径、左心室舒张末期内径和左心室射血分数在AAI组植入前后差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),而DDD组术后左心房内径、左心室舒张末期内径增大,左心室射血分数下降(P＜0.05);(4)AAI组与DDD组比较,对心功能影响较小.结论 与DDD起搏方式比较,AAI起搏方式房颤发生率低,对心功能影响小.     

Regional myocardial perfusion during chronic biventricular pacing and after acute change of the pacing mode in patients with congestive heart failure and bundle branch block treated with an atrioventricular sequential biventricular pacemaker

BACKGROUND: Biventricular (BiV) pacing has been found to improve systolic function and exercise tolerance in patients with severe congestive heart failure and bundle branch block. The mechanisms behind this beneficial effect is still not sufficiently clarified. AIM: To evaluate the regional myocardial perfusion (MP) during BiV pacing and after acute change of the pacing mode to conventional dual chamber (DDD) pacing, and single chamber atrial (AAI) pacing in patients with severe congestive heart failure and prolonged QRS width treated with chronic BiV pacing. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fourteen patients (age 63+/-7 years, 13 male) were evaluated 13+/-7 months after implantation of a triple-chamber biventricular pacemaker. MP was quantified with 13N-labeled ammonia positron emission tomography during BiV pacing, DDD pacing, and AAI pacing. MP was assessed in the anterior, lateral, inferior, and septal regions, and the global mean MP was calculated. Clinical assessment was performed before pacemaker implantation and after at least 3 months of BiV pacing including a 6-min walk test (WT), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class functional score and echocardiography. Global mean MP (BiV: 0.65+/-0.20 vs. DDD: 0.65+/-0.21 vs. AAI: 0.65+/-0.18 mlg(-1)min(-1)) and MP in each of the four regions did not differ between the three pacing modes. The patients improved clinically during BiV pacing; 6 min WT increased (338+/-59 vs. 415+/-73 m, P<0.001), NYHA class score improved (class I/II/III/IV: 0/0/11/3 vs. 1/9/2/0, P<0.001), and left ventricular ejection fraction increased (21+/-5 vs. 29+/-8%, P=0.004). CONCLUSION: No differences in regional MP are detectable after chronic BiV pacing when the pacing mode is changed acutely in patients with severe congestive heart failure and bundle branch block. This finding indicates, that the clinical improvement caused by BiV pacing is not associated with any increase in the MP and thereby oxygen demand.     

Impact of right atrial-left ventricular dual-chamber permanent pacing in patients with severely symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Effective alternatives to surgical myectomy for patients with symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) remain unestablished. Dual-chamber (DDD) pacing was evaluated in these patients using right atrial (RA) and epicardial left ventricular (LV) leads. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 6 patients with HOCM refractory to medical therapy and conventional RA-right ventricular (RV) DDD pacing, we implanted DDD pacemakers using RA and epicardial LV leads. The baseline intraventricular pressure gradient before pacemaker implantation was 103+/-44 mmHg. The pressure gradient decreased significantly to 8+/-16 mmHg by temporary RA-LV DDD pacing (p=0.006), while it decreased only to 68+/-25 mmHg by temporary RA-RV pacing (NS). It was nearly eliminated to 1+/-2 mmHg (p=0.027) 3 months after RA-LV DDD pacemaker implantation. LV end-diastolic pressure, cardiac index and systolic aortic pressure did not change significantly. New York Heart Association class improved in all patients (p=0.023). Brain and atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations, respectively 516+/-286 and 143+/-34 pg/ml at baseline, decreased significantly to 230+/-151 and 93+/-44 pg/ml 3 months after implantation (p=0.027 and 0.028). CONCLUSION: RA-LV DDD pacemaker implantation is a useful option for patients with symptomatic HOCM.     

A randomized comparison of atrial and dual-chamber pacing in 177 consecutive patients with sick sinus syndrome: echocardiographic and clinical outcome

OBJECTIVES: A randomized trial was done to compare single-chamber atrial (AAI) and dual-chamber (DDD) pacing in patients with sick sinus syndrome (SSS). Primary end points were changes in left atrial (LA) size and left ventricular (LV) size and function as measured by M-mode echocardiography. BACKGROUND: In patients with SSS and normal atrioventricular conduction, it is still not clear whether the optimal pacing mode is AAI or DDD pacing. METHODS: A total of 177 consecutive patients (mean age 74 +/- 9 years, 73 men) were randomized to treatment with one of three rate-adaptive (R) pacemakers: AAIR (n = 54), DDDR with a short atrioventricular delay (n = 60) (DDDR-s), or DDDR with a fixed long atrioventricular delay (n = 63) (DDDR-l). Before pacemaker implantation and at each follow-up, M-mode echocardiography was done to measure LA and LV diameters. Left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) was calculated. Analysis was on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 2.9 +/- 1.1 years. In the AAIR group, no significant changes were observed in LA or LV diameters or LVFS from baseline to last follow-up. In both DDDR groups, LA diameter increased significantly (p < 0.05), and in the DDDR-s group, LVFS decreased significantly (p < 0.01). Atrial fibrillation was significantly less common in the AAIR group, 7.4% versus 23.3% in the DDDR-s group versus 17.5% in the DDDR-l group (p = 0.03, log-rank test). Mortality, thromboembolism, and congestive heart failure did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: During a mean follow-up of 2.9 +/- 1.1 years, DDDR pacing causes increased LA diameter, and DDDR pacing with a short atrioventricular delay also causes decreased LVFS. No changes occur in LA or LV diameters or LVFS during AAIR pacing. Atrial fibrillation is significantly less common during AAIR pacing.     

超声心动图对不同频率AAI及VVI起搏的血流动力学研究

目的本研究的目的在于评价不同频率ＡＡＩ及ＶＶＩ起搏的血流动力学效果，探索最佳起搏频率范围，比较ＡＡＩ及ＶＶＩ起搏的血流动力学效果。方法３７例植入永久心脏起搏器的患者分为两组，ＡＡＩ组１７例，ＶＶＩ组２０例。程控起搏频率从５０～１００次／分，以超声心动图评价其血流动力学效果。结果在ＡＡＩ起搏组，７０次／分起搏的心排血量（ＣＯ）高于５０及６０次／分起搏（Ｐ＜０．０５）。８０～９０次／分起搏的ＣＯ变化无显著性差异。１００次／分起搏的ＣＯ低于９０次／分起搏。在ＶＶＩ起搏组，起搏频率超过８０次／分时，ＣＯ不再增高，１１０次／分起搏的ＣＯ甚至低于７０次／分起搏，左室射血分数（ＬＶＥＦ）则随之下降。但ＡＡＩ起搏的ＣＯ及ＬＶＥＦ在起搏频率相同情况下显著高于ＶＶＩ起搏组。结论在有心脏病的患者，最佳起搏频率范围较窄，为７０～８０次／分。ＡＡＩ起搏的血流动力学效果显著优于ＶＶＩ起搏。     

Doppler ultrasound measurement of cardiac output in patients with physiologic pacemakers. Effects of left ventricular function and retrograde ventriculoatrial conduction

Dual-chamber cardiac pacing (DDD) offers obvious theoretical advantages over traditional ventricular demand (VVI) pacing. Nevertheless, no widely agreed upon criteria exist for the selection of patients for physiologic DDD pacemakers compared with the simpler VVI systems. Accordingly, a non-invasive method for measuring cardiac output (Doppler ultrasound) was used to identify candidates for pacing who would derive the greatest hemodynamic benefit from DDD vs VVI pacing. Among 29 patients studied at rest during VVI-mode pacing, the average cardiac output by Doppler ultrasound was 4.3 +/- 0.3 liters/min (mean +/- standard error of the mean). In the DDD mode, the average cardiac output was 5.0 +/- 0.3 liters/min (p less than 0.001). Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction did not identify a group that improved more with DDD pacing. Patients who showed either retrograde ventriculoatrial conduction or described symptoms consistent with the "pacemaker syndrome" during VVI pacing, however, showed greater increases in cardiac output during DDD pacing. In these patients, the mean improvement in cardiac output was 30.4 +/- 8.6% with DDD vs VVI pacing, as opposed to an average increase of only 14.4 +/- 3.4% in the remaining 20 patients (p = 0.02). Thus, Doppler ultrasound can be used to quantitate the change in cardiac output at rest that occurs with DDD vs VVI pacing. The change is independent of the level of left ventricular function but is substantially higher when there is evidence of ventriculoatrial conduction or the pacemaker syndrome.     

实时三维超声心动图评价永久起搏患者左心室收缩同步性和心功能

目的 探讨应用实时三维超声心动图(RT-3DE)评价永久起搏患者左心室收缩同步性和心功能.方法 15例病态窦房结综合征置入双腔起搏器患者,分别将起搏模式程控为心房抑制型按需起搏(AAI)、房室按需型起搏(DDD)、心室抑制型按需起搏(VVI),每种起搏模式稳定5 min后,在RT-3DE下取左心室全容积图像.应用Qlab4.2脱机分析软件,获得左心室整体与17节段容积-时间曲线和比较左心室16、12、6节段心电图QRS波起点至左心室最小容积点时间的标准差和最大时间差(即Tmsv16-s、Tmsv12-s、Tmsv6-s、Tmsv16-dif、Tmsv12-dif、Tmsv6-dif)、左心室舒张末期容积、左心室收缩末期容积、左心室射血分数、左心室舒张早期峰值充盈率、左心室17节段的舒张末期容积、收缩末期容积和节段射血分数.结果 心室同步性指标容积-时间曲线和Tmsv16-s、Tmsv12-s、Tmsv6-s、Tmsv16-dif、Tmsv12-dif、Tmsv6-dif在AAI模式明显优于DDD、VVI模式(P<0.05),心功能指标左心室射血分数、左心室舒张早期峰值充盈率在AAI模式下显著高于DDD和VVI模式(P<0.05);DDD和VVI模式的上述指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);DDD与VVI模式时左心室前间隔、下壁和后壁基底段、心尖段节段射血分数较AAI模式明显降低(P<0.05).结论 采用RT-3DE可客观准确地评价永久起搏患者左心室收缩同步性和心功能.     

Influence of left ventricular filling profile on the effect of atrioventricular synchronous pacing.

We correlated the percentage of atrial contribution to left ventricular filling (percent AC) assessed by Doppler echocardiography with the hemodynamic benefit from atrioventricular synchronous pacing assessed by direct hemodynamic measurements. Subjects comprised 40 patients who underwent electrophysiologic catheterization because of unexplained syncope or bradycardia (< 40 beats/min). Femoral arterial and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were recorded by catheterization, and cardiac output was measured by thermodilution during temporary atrioventricular synchronous (DDD, 70 beats/min with 150 ms of atrioventricular delay) and ventricular (VVI, 70 beats/min) pacing. Mitral inflow velocity by pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography was recorded during DDD pacing and percent AC was obtained by calculating the ratio of mitral inflow velocity area during atrial systole to total mitral inflow velocity area during early diastole and atrial systole. The mean arterial pressure and the cardiac output increased significantly (99 +/- 16 mm Hg vs 90 +/- 15 mm Hg, p < 0.001; 4.6 +/- 1.0 L/min vs 3.9 +/- 0.9 L/min, p < 0.001), and the mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased (7 +/- 4 mm Hg vs 10 +/- 4 mm Hg, p < 0.001) during DDD compared with VVI pacing. A significant positive correlation was observed between the percent AC and the increase in cardiac output (r = 0.58, n = 40, p < 0.01) or the increase in mean arterial pressure (r = 0.62, n = 38, p < 0.01) during DDD pacing. The percent AC did not significantly correlate with the decrease in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. In conclusion, patients with larger percent AC may receive major benefit from atrioventricular synchronous pacing.     

A randomized comparison of permanent septal versus apical right ventricular pacing: short-term results

OBJECTIVES: This study compared chronic right ventricular (RV) pacing at the septum versus apex. BACKGROUND: Chronic RV apical pacing may be detrimental to ventricular function. This randomized, pilot study examined whether, compared with apical, permanent septal pacing preserves cardiac function. METHODS: Ablation of the atrioventricular junction for permanent AF, followed by implantation of a DDDR pacemaker connected to two ventricular leads was performed in 28 patients. One lead screwed into the septum and another placed at the apex were connected to the atrial and ventricular port, respectively. Septum or apex was paced by programming AAIR or VVIR modes, respectively. Patients were randomly assigned, 4 months later, to pacing at one site for 3 months, and crossed over to the other for 3 months. New York Heart Association class, QRS width and axis, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), exercise duration, and peak oxygen uptake were measured. Results in patients with LVEF > 45% and < or = 45% were compared. RESULTS: Septal pacing was associated with shorter QRS (145 +/- 4 msec vs 170 +/- 4 msec, P < 0.01) and normal axis (40 degrees +/- 10 degrees vs -71 +/- 4 degrees , P < 0.01). At 3 months, among patients with baseline LVEF < or = 45%, LVEF was 42 +/- 5% after septal pacing versus 37 +/- 4% after apical pacing (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In contrast to RV apical pacing, chronic RV septal pacing preserved LVEF in patients with baseline LVEF < or = 45%.     

Hemodynamic effects of atrial septal pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy patients

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous or pacing-induced interatrial conduction delay may affect the outcome of heart failure patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the atrial pacing site (right atrial appendage, RAA; and low interatrial septum, LIS) during biventricular (BV) pacing on the left ventricular (LV) systolic function in candidates for CRT. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifteen heart failure patients with left bundle branch block and LV ejection fraction < or =35% were enrolled. Electrodes were placed at the RAA, LIS, right ventricular apex, and LV free wall. A DDD protocol was tested, which consisted of 50 beats in AAI mode from the RAA followed by 50 beats in BV DDD mode with atrial pacing at the RAA (DDD_RAA) or at the LIS (DDD_LIS) at four AV delays. The average (+/-SD)%LV+dP/dtmax increase during DDD_RAA and DDD_LIS pacing with respect to baseline was 24 +/- 16% and 21 +/- 15%, respectively (P < 0.01), and average percentage change in aortic pulse pressure during DDD_RAA and DDD_LIS with respect to baseline (%PP) was 13 +/- 8% and 13 +/- 7% (ns). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a significant hemodynamic improvement with both DDD_RAA and DDD_LIS biventricular pacing compared to AAI pacing. However DDD_LIS pacing was not superior to DDD_RAA pacing in acute hemodynamic responses.     

Immediate impairment of left ventricular mechanical performance and force-frequency relation by rate-responsive dual-chamber, but not atrial pacing: Implications from intraventricular isovolumic relaxation flow

BACKGROUND: Despite the maintenance of atrioventricular (AV) synchrony, the detrimental effect of left ventricular asynchronization on mechanical performance and intraventricular flow by nonphysiologic right ventricular apical pacing in dual-chamber pacing, with and without rate adaptation, is not clear. METHOD: Twenty-seven consecutive patients receiving permanent pacemakers for symptomatic bradyarrhythmias (18 with DDD and 9 with AAI mode pacemakers) were evaluated with standard and tissue Doppler echocardiography before and 24 h after pacemaker implantation. The rate-response effect of pacing was studied by programmed rate with increments of 20, from 60 to 100/min. RESULTS: Color M-mode echocardiography demonstrated that much more DDD patients developed new biphasic intraventricular flow during isovolumic relaxation period than AAI patients (13/18 versus 0/9, P<0.001). In DDD patients, the ventricular relaxation represented by mitral annulus velocity in early diastole significantly attenuated (before vs. after DDDR, 8.5+/-2.8 vs. 5.2+/-1.2 cm/s, P<0.05), and also the mitral flow propagation velocity (33+/-11 vs. 25+/-5 cm/s, P<0.01). The myocardial performance index increased after DDD (0.70+/-0.15 vs. 0.79+/-0.24, P<0.05) but not after AAI (0.61+/-0.1 vs. 0.59+/-0.08, P=NS). For both pacing groups, the accelerated pacing rate prolonged the isovolumic relaxation time and shortened the diastole period (P<0.001). However, only DDD patients had a decreased mitral flow propagation velocity (P=0.026) and an attenuated force-frequency relation in programmed rate acceleration. CONCLUSION: Despite the AV synchrony, right ventricular apical pacing immediately attenuates the left ventricular contraction and relaxation performance, which deteriorated further and suppressed the physiologically positive force-frequency relation after accelerated pacing rate.     

Long-term clinical performance of AAI pacing in patients with sick sinus syndrome: a comparison with dual-chamber pacing.

AIMS: In this clinical study, we compared two groups of age-matched patients, AAI and DDD, to evaluate the clinical benefits of AAI pacing in patients with sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and normal atrioventricular (AV) conduction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ninety-five patients with SSS implanted with AAI pacemakers were compared with 101 SSS patients implanted with DDD pacemakers. Mortality, chronic atrial fibrillation, lead survival rates, and reoperation rates were compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Eight AAI devices were switched to DDD due to high-degree (grade 2-3) AV block. The incidence of high-degree AV block was 1.104%/year, with a freedom rate of 88.6% at 10 years. There were no significant differences between the two groups in survival rates (87.8% in AAI vs. 93.4% in DDD at 10 years), freedom from atrial fibrillation (93.6% vs. 90.6%), or freedom from reoperation (71.3% vs. 76.3%). On the other hand, lead failure was twice as frequent in the DDD group than in the AAI group (relative risk=2.045, P=0.0382). CONCLUSION: AAI pacing, a simple system using a single lead and single-chamber pacemaker, can achieve a clinical outcome similar to that of the DDD mode in patients with SSS and normal AV conduction.     

Clinical and hemodynamic comparison of VVI versus DDD pacing in patients with DDD pacemakers

To identify better those subgroups of pacemaker recipients who will benefit from dual chamber pacing, 19 patients with DDD pacemakers that were physiologically paced were entered into a blinded, randomized protocol comparing long-term VVI versus DDD pacing. Patients were evaluated in each of the pacing modes for exercise performance, cardiac chamber size, cardiac output, functional status and health perception. Eight patients (42%) insisted on early crossover, from VVI to DDD pacing, after only 1.8 +/- 1.4 weeks because of symptoms consistent with pacemaker syndrome. Overall, 12 patients preferred DDD pacing and no patient preferred VVI pacing (p = 0.001). Percent fractional shortening (30 +/- 8 vs 24 +/- 6%, p = 0.009) and cardiac output (6.3 +/- 2.6 vs 4.4 +/- 2.2 liters/min, p = 0.0001) where significantly greater in the DDD mode. Exercise duration was greater during DDD compared with VVI pacing (11.3 +/- 3.7 vs 10.1 +/- 3.7 minutes, p = 0.006). However, it was only in the crossover subgroup that DDD pacing resulted in significant improvement in exercise performance and health perception compared with VVI pacing. This subgroup of patients was characterized by an intrinsic sinus rate of less than 60 beats/min (4/8 vs 0/11, p = 0.006), ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction (4/8 vs 1/11, p = 0.048), greater increase in exercise peak systolic blood pressure from VVI to DDD mode (21 +/- 12 vs 4 +/- 13 mm Hg, p = 0.02) and greater improvement in exercise capacity from VVI to DDD pacing (2.2 +/- 1.2 vs 0.6 +/- 1.4 minutes, p = 0.03) compared with the other 11 patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Doppler Evaluation of the Descending Aorta in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Potential for Assessing the Functional Significance of Outflow Tract Gradients and for Optimizing Pacemaker Function

We evaluated whether analysis of aortic flow could be useful for determining the functional significance of left ventricular outflow gradients and for optimizing pacing therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM). METHODS: Doppler echocardiography was performed in 32 patients with HOCM. Eleven patients with pacemakers (PPM) also underwent treadmill and quality-of-life (QOL) testing in a randomized crossover trial (1 month of backup pacing (AAI at 30 beats per minute), 1 month with an atrioventricular interval (AVI) of 30 ms (DDD30), and 1 month with an "optimized" AVI (DDDop) that maximized the descending aortic Doppler velocity time integral. RESULTS: Patients with HOCM displayed a notch in the aortic Doppler flow profile. The location of the notch in systole corresponded with the development of the peak left ventricular outflow gradient. Aortic flow after the notch was variable ranging from 6-48% of the total flow. In patients with pacemakers, improved response to pacing was noted in those patients that developed the notch early in systole and had subsequent attenuation of aortic flow. Optimizing the AVI was associated with improved exercise tolerance (AAI: 4.6 +/- 2.3 min., DDD30: 5.5 +/- 2.2 min., and DDDop: 7.7 +/- 2.5 min.; p < 0.05) and improved QOL. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HOCM have a notch in their aortic Doppler flow profile. The location of the notch correlates with the development of the peak left ventricular outflow gradient and flow after the notch is variable. Patients with an early notch and attenuated flow after the notch appear to have the greatest response to pacing therapy.     

The effect of heart rate on the working capacity of patients with complete heart block and physiological pacemaker.

The effect of heart rate (HR) on maximum working capacity was studied in 18 patients (mean age 55 years) with a physiological pacemaker implanted for chronic complete heart block of different aetiology. Exercise testing was performed by bicycle ergometry in 3 pacing protocols in randomized sequence, and without the patients knowing the preprogrammed pacing mode: 1) VVI pacing at a rate of 30 beats/min--exercise on heart block; 2) VVI pacing at a rate of 70 beats/min; 3) physiological DDD or QT pacing. While patients with heart block had a mean HR of 54 +/- 16 beats/min and working capacity of 81 +/- 31 W, on VVI 70 pacing the values were 73 +/- 9 beats/min (+35%, p < 0.002) and 100 +/- 45 W (+24%, p < 0.008), respectively. Exercise during physiological pacing led to an increase in HR to 140 +/- 15 beats/min (+169%, p < 0.002) and in working capacity to 130 +/- 52 W (+61%, p < 0.002). Thus, the increment in working capacity was 2.5 times higher on physiological than standard ventricular pacing (p < 0.005) if compared with the working capacity of patients with heart block.     

Evaluation of maintenance of cardiac output during DDD and VVI pacing by exercise Doppler echocardiography]

To evaluate the efficacy of DDD pacing for cardiac reserve, we assessed increases in the stroke volume and cardiac output during randomized treadmill exercise in 16 patients by DDD and fixed-rate ventricular (VVI) pacing. The stroke volume index and cardiac index were determined using suprasternal Doppler measurements. Ten patients who showed sinus rhythm during exercise were excluded from this study. Compared with the findings during VVI pacing, those during DDD pacing showed: 1) a greater exercise-induced positive chronotropic response (mean maximum heart rate 122 +/- 22 beats/min vs 70 beats/min, p < 0.01), 2) a lesser increase in the stroke volume index (34 +/- 7 to 39 +/- 9 ml/m2 vs 31 +/- 7 to 49 +/- 11 ml/m2, p < 0.05), 3) a greater increase in the cardiac index (2.43 +/- 0.45 to 4.48 +/- 1.36 L/min/m2 vs 2.22 +/- 0.47 to 3.43 +/- 0.45 L/min/m2, p < 0.05), and 4) prolongation of exercise duration (6.35 +/- 2.00 min vs 5.97 +/- 1.81 min, NS). These findings indicated that VVI pacing promoted a greater stroke volume than DDD pacing, which provides a compensatory increase in contractility and the preload in cases without an increase in heart rate during exercise, however, the increase in cardiac output was insufficient due to the absence of a chronotropic response. In conclusion, a DDD pacemaker could effectively increase heart rate, causing a significant increase in cardiac output and extending exercise duration.