Totally epicardial cardiac resynchronization therapy system implantation in patients with heart failure undergoing CABG

BACKGROUND: Systolic dyssynchrony is present in a considerable number of patients with heart failure (HF) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Surgical revascularization offers an optimal setting for totally epicardial cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) system implantation. AIM: To assess the efficacy of totally epicardial CRT implantation during CABG, in patients with HF. METHODS: Twenty three patients with HF and dyssynchrony underwent totally epicardial CRT system implantation during CABG. This randomised, single-blind, cross-over study compared clinical and echocardiographic parameters during two periods: 3 months of active CRT (CRT+) and 3 months of inactive CRT (CRT-) pacing. RESULTS: Twenty two patients underwent randomisation and completed both study periods. In the CRT+ group more patients improved by two NYHA classes (p=0.028), had a longer 6-minute walk test distance (p=0.047) and better quality of life (p=0.003) compared with the CRT- group. Echocardiography revealed an improved LV ejection fraction (p<0.001), smaller LV end-systolic volume (p=0.04), reduced mitral regurgitation (p=0.026) and improved LV synchrony in the CRT+ group compared with the CRT- group. CONCLUSION: CRT delivered by a totally epicardial system implanted during CABG is associated with additional improvement of clinical and echocardiographic parameters in patients with HF and systolic dyssynchrony.     

心脏再同步治疗的心力衰竭患者冠状静脉解剖形态分析

目的了解冠状静脉解剖形态,为心脏再同步治疗中成功植入左室电极提供依据。方法住院患者113例,男93例,女20例,平均年龄63.5±10.6岁。所有患者均行冠状静脉造影。结果113例中有1支以上血管异常者为97例（85.84%）;静脉缺如25例（22.13%）,静脉细小36例（31.86%）,静脉扭曲19例（16.81%）,静脉狭窄5例（4.42%）,冠状静脉窦肌桥9例（7.96%）。2例心侧静脉近段发出二级分支,5例心后侧静脉近段发出二级分支。冠状静脉变异与性别无明显关系。非缺血性心肌病心侧静脉和心后侧静脉异常总数明显多于缺血性心肌病（91.25%比72.72%,P〈0.05）。冠状静脉窦肌桥均发生在非缺血性心肌病,占11.25%。结论心力衰竭患者冠状静脉解剖具有很大变异性。冠状静脉一级和二级分支的位置、大小等解剖差异与性别、冠状动脉病变或心肌梗死区域无关,非缺血性心肌病的血管变异比例更高。     

微创胸腔镜心外膜电极技术和冠状静脉窦电极技术进行心脏再同步治疗的比较研究

Objective To compare the minimally invasive surgical implantation of left ventricular epicardial electrode technique and coronary vein sinus endocardial electrode technique for cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT) in cardiomyopathy heart failure. Methods During April 2007 to May 2009 total 28 patients were diagnosed as advanced heart failure with cardiac dysynchronization through ECG and Tissue Doppler Echos. Ten received surgical epicardial electrode implantation ( group 1 ) and 18 received coronary sinus electrode implantation ( group 2). For the group 1 patients, the electrodes were placed in right atrial and ventricle guided by X ray under the general anesthesia. The right atrial and ventricle electrodes were connected with the three chamber pacemaker. The Tissue Doppler Echo TEE technique was used to search suitable left ventricle place for the ideal CRT therapy. Then the epicardial electrode was fixed at the ideal place. The resynchronization features were examined after surgery during the follow of 5 ～ 24 months. Results The endocardial and epicardial electrodes were implanted successfully without any serious complication in group 1 patients. All patients were discharged without any adverse cardiac episodes. For the group 1 patients during the 5 ～ 24 months follow-up the left ventricle maximize delay time decreased from ( 390. 7 ± 42.1) ms to ( 135.7 ± 37.2 ) ms, the left dysynchronization index (Ts-SD) decreased from ( 143.7 ±30. 1 ) ms to (50. 3 ±22. 3) ms,the inter-ventricle mechanical delay time (IVMD) decreased from (57.7 ±24. 9) ms to (27.0 ± 10. 8) ms,left ventricle end-dilation diameters (LVEDD) increased from (71.3 ± 12. 8) mm to (62. 3 ±6. 5) mm and the left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from 0. 320 ±0. 007 to 0. 400 ±0. 006. For the group 2 patients during the follow up period the left ventricle maximize delay time decreased from (396. 7 ± 36. 1 ) ms to (293.7 ± 119. 2)ms,Ts-SD decreased from ( 147.7 ± 22. 1 ) ms to (96. 3 ± 34.3) ms,IVMD decreased from ( 59.7 ± 35.9 ) ms to (27.0±25.8) ms,LVEDD increased from (71.3 ±9.8) mm to (67.3 ±9.5) mm and LVEF increased from 0. 281 ±0. 077 to 0. 330 ±0. 076. The left ventricle resynchronization results were better in the group 1 cases. Conclusion Cardiac resynchronization results were good in both groups and the surgical epicardial therapy could improve the left ventricle resynchronization.     

微创胸腔镜心外膜电极技术和冠状静脉窦电极技术进行心脏再同步治疗的比较研究

目的 探讨微创胸腔镜心外膜电极导线技术和冠状静脉窦电极导线技术完成心脏再同步治疗(CRT)的效果.方法 回顾性总结北京安贞医院2007年4月至2009年6月的28例进行CRT治疗的心肌病心力衰竭的病例资料.治疗前所有患者均经心电图和超声心动图明确诊断心力衰竭伴心脏不同步.所有患者右心房和右心室电极导线均在X线引导下植入,左心室电极导线植入中,10例采用微创胸腔镜心外膜电极导线技术(组1),其中有3例因为冠状静脉窦电极无法植入而转入外科.18例采用冠状静脉窦电极导线技术(组2).组1患者在术中经食管超声心动图监测下测试左心室侧壁不同位置,寻找同步效果最理想的位置,并使用无损伤缝线固定左心室心外膜电极.围术期和随访5～24个月监测心脏结构、功能和同步效果.结果 所有患者术中电极导线放置顺利.组1患者术后顺利拔除气管插管,除1例发生肺炎外无明显并发症.2组患者术后均临床症状改善顺利出院.随访结果显示:组1左心室最大收缩延迟时间由术前(390.7±42.1)ms缩短为(135.7±37.2)ms,左心室不同步指数(Ts-SD)由术前的(143.7±30.1)ms降为(50.3±22.3)ms,心室间机械延迟(IVMD)由术前(57.7±24.9)ms降为(27.0±10.8)ms.左心室射血分数(LVEF)由术前0.320±0.007升到0.400±0.006,左心室舒张末内径(LVEDD)由术前(71.3±12.8)mm降低为(62.3±6.5)mm.组2结果显示:左心室最大收缩延迟时间由术前(396.7±36.1)ms缩短为(293.7±119.2)ms,Ts-SD由术前的(147.7±22.1)ms降为(96.3±34.3)ms,IVMD由术前(59.7±35.9)ms降为(27.0±25.8)ms.LVEF由术前0.281±0.077升到0.330±0.076,LVEDD由术前(71.3±9.8)mm降为(67.3±9.5)mm.其中组1在改善左心室最大收缩延迟时间和Ts-SD方面优于组2,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 两种同步治疗技术均可以获得较好的心力衰竭治疗效果,其中微创胸腔镜心外膜电极技术完成心力衰竭CRT治疗对于非严重心功能不良者安全可行,而且由于心外膜电极导线在左心室侧后壁位置的良好选择性,使其可以更好地纠正左心室内部的不同步运动.     

微创胸腔镜心外膜电极技术和冠状静脉窦电极技术进行心脏再同步治疗的比较研究

Objective To compare the minimally invasive surgical implantation of left ventricular epicardial electrode technique and coronary vein sinus endocardial electrode technique for cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT) in cardiomyopathy heart failure. Methods During April 2007 to May 2009 total 28 patients were diagnosed as advanced heart failure with cardiac dysynchronization through ECG and Tissue Doppler Echos. Ten received surgical epicardial electrode implantation ( group 1 ) and 18 received coronary sinus electrode implantation ( group 2). For the group 1 patients, the electrodes were placed in right atrial and ventricle guided by X ray under the general anesthesia. The right atrial and ventricle electrodes were connected with the three chamber pacemaker. The Tissue Doppler Echo TEE technique was used to search suitable left ventricle place for the ideal CRT therapy. Then the epicardial electrode was fixed at the ideal place. The resynchronization features were examined after surgery during the follow of 5 ～ 24 months. Results The endocardial and epicardial electrodes were implanted successfully without any serious complication in group 1 patients. All patients were discharged without any adverse cardiac episodes. For the group 1 patients during the 5 ～ 24 months follow-up the left ventricle maximize delay time decreased from ( 390. 7 ± 42.1) ms to ( 135.7 ± 37.2 ) ms, the left dysynchronization index (Ts-SD) decreased from ( 143.7 ±30. 1 ) ms to (50. 3 ±22. 3) ms,the inter-ventricle mechanical delay time (IVMD) decreased from (57.7 ±24. 9) ms to (27.0 ± 10. 8) ms,left ventricle end-dilation diameters (LVEDD) increased from (71.3 ± 12. 8) mm to (62. 3 ±6. 5) mm and the left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from 0. 320 ±0. 007 to 0. 400 ±0. 006. For the group 2 patients during the follow up period the left ventricle maximize delay time decreased from (396. 7 ± 36. 1 ) ms to (293.7 ± 119. 2)ms,Ts-SD decreased from ( 147.7 ± 22. 1 ) ms to (96. 3 ± 34.3) ms,IVMD decreased from ( 59.7 ± 35.9 ) ms to (27.0±25.8) ms,LVEDD increased from (71.3 ±9.8) mm to (67.3 ±9.5) mm and LVEF increased from 0. 281 ±0. 077 to 0. 330 ±0. 076. The left ventricle resynchronization results were better in the group 1 cases. Conclusion Cardiac resynchronization results were good in both groups and the surgical epicardial therapy could improve the left ventricle resynchronization.     

心脏再同步化治疗心衰的手术操作和疗效回顾

目的:探讨和总结心脏再同步化治疗(CRT)器治疗心衰的疗效。方法:21例心功能Ⅲ～Ⅳ级的心力衰竭患者,符合左室射血分数(LVEF)35%、心电图QRS波宽度≥160ms、左室舒张末期内径60mm的CRT建议标准。评价手术时间、X线曝光时间和术前后的单次最远行走距离、6min步行距离、NYHA心功能分级。结果:经左侧(n=20)和右侧锁骨下静脉(n=1)CRT的手术时间分别为(143.3±30.8)min和235min,而X线曝光时间分别为(19.7±15.5)min和75min;CRT术后单次最远行走距离显著增加[(921.7±253.8)m:(675.8±172.1)m,P0.01],6min步行距离术后较术前显著增加[(409.8±43.6)m:(292.5±55.6)m,P0.01],而NYHA心功能IV级者所占的百分率术后比术前显著减少(23.8%:85.7%,P0.01)。结论:对左室射血分数35%、心电图QRS波宽度≥160ms、左室舒张末期内径60mm的心衰患者,行CRT可显著改善6min步行距离和NYHA心功能分级。     

Atrial pacing and sensing characteristics in heart failure patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Patients with heart failure and sinus rhythm undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) require the proper detection of atrial signals and reliable atrial pacing for AV-synchronous ventricular pacing. The study aim was to compare atrial pacing and sensing characteristics in patients with transvenous CRT and patients with standard pacing indications. METHODS: The study group consisted of 31 heart failure patients with depressed left ventricular function and bundle branch block, and the control group of 124 patients with dual-chamber pacemakers because of standard pacing indications. The bipolar steroid-eluting atrial screw-in lead Tendril DX 1388 T (St. Jude Medical) was implanted and connected to pulse generators that provide similar diagnostic features. The unipolar pacing threshold at 0.4 ms duration, bipolar sensing threshold, and unipolar pacing impedance were determined at implantation and after 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: At implantation, the atrial pacing threshold was significantly higher in the CRT group than in the control group, 1.07+/-0.99 V versus 0.74+/-0.36 V (P<0.01). Similar pacing thresholds were recorded after 1 month. The pacing threshold in the CRT group was significantly higher at 1.46+/-0.92 V after 3 and 1.50+/-0.94 V after 6 months (control group: 0.96+/-0.25 V at month 3; 0.98+/-0.32 V at month 6; P<0.05). Sensing threshold was similar at implantation with 2.36+/-1.87 mV in the CRT and 2.54+/-0.78 mV in the control group. The sensing threshold in the CRT group decreased to 1.64+/-0.8 6mV after 3 and to 1.71+/-0.71 mV after 6 months and was significantly lower compared with the control group (2.16+/-0.57 mV at month 3; 2.27+/-0.9 8mV at month 6; P<0.05). At implant, the atrial pacing impedance was not different between the two groups with 443+/-156 ohms in the CRT and 416+/-116 ohms in the control group. During follow-up, the impedance became significantly lower in the CRT group compared with the control group (404+/-84 ohms versus 452+/-101 ohms at month 3; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with patients with standard pacing indications, CRT recipients have less good electrical characteristics in the atrium. Atrial pacing and sensing function should be closely monitored in CRT patients.     

Left ventricular dyssynchrony predicts benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with end-stage heart failure before pacemaker implantation

We evaluated patients with end-stage heart failure who have a high likelihood of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (biventricular pacing). It appears that 20% of patients do not respond to this expensive therapy despite the use of selection criteria (dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, New York Heart Association class II or IV, left ventricular ejection fraction <35%, left bundle branch block, and QRS >120 ms). The presence of left ventricular dyssynchrony is needed to result in improvement after cardiac resynchronization therapy.     

心脏再同步治疗慢性心力衰竭的建议

慢性心力衰竭是心内科治疗学上的难题，是使患者丧失工作能力，具有较高患病率和病死率的严重疾患。流行病学资料显示：美国大约有500万人罹患心力衰竭，每年新增病例55万；全球心力衰竭患病人数高达2250万，每年新增病例数200万。我国2003年一项心力衰竭流行病学调查资料显示，在35—74岁人群中，心力衰竭患病率为0．9％。按此比率推算，我国35—74岁人群中约有心力衰竭患者400万人。心力衰竭的病死率与临床严重程度相关。     

Activity monitoring in heart failure patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves functional capacity in heart failure patients. This study aimed to prospectively analyze long-term device-based monitoring of physical activity in patients undergoing CRT. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Activity Log Index (ALI), calculated by CRT devices, represents the percentage of time when acceleration exceeds a threshold and monitors the physical activity. Data from 178 CRT patients (New York Heart Association III 91%, left ventricular ejection fraction 21+/-6%, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter 69+/-9 mm, QRS 159+/-27 ms, sinus rhythm 81%) were retrieved. The ALI increased from a baseline value of 3.6+/-2.0 to 11.2+/-4.6 (p<0.005) 104 weeks after initiation of CRT. A plateau was reached at approximately 12 weeks and thereafter ALI remained stable for up to 2 years. The magnitude of the changes in ALI was similar in patients with different etiologies and underlying rhythms. Despite similar values at baseline, elderly patients (>or=65 years) exhibited significantly lower ALI values than younger patients during the follow-up and at the plateau (9.5+/-4.2 vs 13.3+/-4.8, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Device-based monitoring of physical activity in CRT patients is feasible. CRT resulted in a large and long-term increase in physical activity.     

慢性心力衰竭患者心脏再同步治疗疗效观察

Objective This study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcome of cardiac resynchro-nization therapy(CRT) during short and mid-long term follow-up. Methods Consecutive patients treated with CRT between 1999 and 2008 were registered. Clinical information was collected from baseline and last follow-up. Clinical information included survival, chnical cardiac function, echocardiography parameters and QRS wave width from surface ECG. Results Ninety-five patients who were treated with CRT successfully were included. These patients were divided into two groups: those with only short term follow-up and those with mid-long term follow-up. In the short term follow-up group,survival was 89.1% with follow-up of(18±10) month(median = 18 months). Survival was 66.6% in mid-long term group with follow-up of(57±17) months (median = 54 moths). While clinical cardiac function was significantly improved in both groups the intrinsic QRS wave width did not show significant change. Those patients' medical therapy for chronic heart failure has been changed dur-ing the period of follow-up. Conclusion CRT can improve clinical cardiac function in parts of patients with chronic heart failure and increased survival during mid-long term and short term follow-up. However, there re-mains a need for more sensitive indicators.     

慢性心力衰竭患者心脏再同步治疗疗效观察

Objective This study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcome of cardiac resynchro-nization therapy(CRT) during short and mid-long term follow-up. Methods Consecutive patients treated with CRT between 1999 and 2008 were registered. Clinical information was collected from baseline and last follow-up. Clinical information included survival, chnical cardiac function, echocardiography parameters and QRS wave width from surface ECG. Results Ninety-five patients who were treated with CRT successfully were included. These patients were divided into two groups: those with only short term follow-up and those with mid-long term follow-up. In the short term follow-up group,survival was 89.1% with follow-up of(18±10) month(median = 18 months). Survival was 66.6% in mid-long term group with follow-up of(57±17) months (median = 54 moths). While clinical cardiac function was significantly improved in both groups the intrinsic QRS wave width did not show significant change. Those patients' medical therapy for chronic heart failure has been changed dur-ing the period of follow-up. Conclusion CRT can improve clinical cardiac function in parts of patients with chronic heart failure and increased survival during mid-long term and short term follow-up. However, there re-mains a need for more sensitive indicators.     

慢性心力衰竭患者心脏再同步治疗疗效观察

Objective This study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcome of cardiac resynchro-nization therapy(CRT) during short and mid-long term follow-up. Methods Consecutive patients treated with CRT between 1999 and 2008 were registered. Clinical information was collected from baseline and last follow-up. Clinical information included survival, chnical cardiac function, echocardiography parameters and QRS wave width from surface ECG. Results Ninety-five patients who were treated with CRT successfully were included. These patients were divided into two groups: those with only short term follow-up and those with mid-long term follow-up. In the short term follow-up group,survival was 89.1% with follow-up of(18±10) month(median = 18 months). Survival was 66.6% in mid-long term group with follow-up of(57±17) months (median = 54 moths). While clinical cardiac function was significantly improved in both groups the intrinsic QRS wave width did not show significant change. Those patients' medical therapy for chronic heart failure has been changed dur-ing the period of follow-up. Conclusion CRT can improve clinical cardiac function in parts of patients with chronic heart failure and increased survival during mid-long term and short term follow-up. However, there re-mains a need for more sensitive indicators.     

慢性心力衰竭患者行心脏再同步化治疗的护理

慢性心力衰竭（chronic heart failure,CHF）是一种心室功能障碍和神经内分泌调节异常导致的肺静脉充血、运动耐力和生存期降低的临床综合征,是近年来发病率和流行性很高的心血管病症。     

双心室同步起搏治疗难治性心力衰竭的长期临床疗效

目的探讨心脏同步化治疗(CRT)对于药物难治性慢性心力衰竭的效果。方法回顾性分析我院自1999年以来48例药物治疗无效的顽固性心力衰竭患者的临床资料,其中男性40例,女性8例,年龄48~84(70.0±18.5)岁。其心力衰竭的NYHA分级为Ⅲ~Ⅳ级,左心室射血分数(LVEF)≤35%,QRS间期≥130ms,左心室舒张末内径(LVEDd)≥60mm。在CRT治疗后平均随访时间(29.0±7.5)个月。采用心电图观察QRS时限、超声心动图计算LVEF,组织多普勒了解心室壁同步的情况;6min步行距离测量心脏的负荷能力的变化。结果(1)QRS时限起搏前(188±40)ms、右心室起搏(222±34)ms、左心室起搏(212±42)ms、双心室起搏(169±26)ms,双心室起搏和起搏前、右心室起搏、左心室起搏比较QRS时限明显缩短(P<0.05)。(2)心功能分级(NYHA)术前Ⅲ~Ⅳ级,术后1周Ⅰ~Ⅱ级,术后1个月直至随访时仍旧Ⅰ~Ⅱ级。(3)LVEF术前(28.30±3.94)%,术后1周(37.80±3.98)%,随访结束时(41.67±6.77)%,术后1周和术前比较明显提高(P<0.05),随访时和术前比较亦明显提高(P<0.05),但是随访时和手术后1周比较差异无统计学意义。(4)6min步行距离术前(398±168)m,术后1周(478±126)m,随访时增加至(506±134)m,术后1周和术前比较有明显提高(P<0.05),随访时和术前比较亦明显提高(P<0.05),随访时和手术后1周比较也明显提高(P<0.05)。1例患者在CRT治疗后1年行心脏移植。共计6例患者死亡。结论CRT短期就可以减轻药物难治性慢性心力衰竭患者的症状,增加其运动能力,改善心脏功能,可以使患者长期获益。     

慢性心力衰竭患者心脏再同步治疗疗效观察

Objective This study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcome of cardiac resynchro-nization therapy(CRT) during short and mid-long term follow-up. Methods Consecutive patients treated with CRT between 1999 and 2008 were registered. Clinical information was collected from baseline and last follow-up. Clinical information included survival, chnical cardiac function, echocardiography parameters and QRS wave width from surface ECG. Results Ninety-five patients who were treated with CRT successfully were included. These patients were divided into two groups: those with only short term follow-up and those with mid-long term follow-up. In the short term follow-up group,survival was 89.1% with follow-up of(18±10) month(median = 18 months). Survival was 66.6% in mid-long term group with follow-up of(57±17) months (median = 54 moths). While clinical cardiac function was significantly improved in both groups the intrinsic QRS wave width did not show significant change. Those patients' medical therapy for chronic heart failure has been changed dur-ing the period of follow-up. Conclusion CRT can improve clinical cardiac function in parts of patients with chronic heart failure and increased survival during mid-long term and short term follow-up. However, there re-mains a need for more sensitive indicators.     

慢性心力衰竭患者心脏再同步治疗疗效观察

Objective This study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcome of cardiac resynchro-nization therapy(CRT) during short and mid-long term follow-up. Methods Consecutive patients treated with CRT between 1999 and 2008 were registered. Clinical information was collected from baseline and last follow-up. Clinical information included survival, chnical cardiac function, echocardiography parameters and QRS wave width from surface ECG. Results Ninety-five patients who were treated with CRT successfully were included. These patients were divided into two groups: those with only short term follow-up and those with mid-long term follow-up. In the short term follow-up group,survival was 89.1% with follow-up of(18±10) month(median = 18 months). Survival was 66.6% in mid-long term group with follow-up of(57±17) months (median = 54 moths). While clinical cardiac function was significantly improved in both groups the intrinsic QRS wave width did not show significant change. Those patients' medical therapy for chronic heart failure has been changed dur-ing the period of follow-up. Conclusion CRT can improve clinical cardiac function in parts of patients with chronic heart failure and increased survival during mid-long term and short term follow-up. However, there re-mains a need for more sensitive indicators.