超声心动图评价起搏模式及起搏部位对心脏再同步化治疗效果的影响

目的：评价超声心动图在心力衰竭患者心脏再同步化治疗（cardiac resynchronizatio therapy，CRT）中的应用价值，探讨起搏模式及起搏部位对其产生的影响。方法：34例患者植入双室起搏器后随机进行4种不同模式起搏（双腔起搏，左室起搏，右室起搏和不起搏即窦性心律状态）。行常规超声心动图及二维彩色组织多普勒（Doppler tissue imaging，DTI）检查，测量左室射血分数（LVEF）、每搏输出量（Sv）、节段心肌作功指数（MPIr）和每个节段心电图QRS波起始至该节段收缩达峰时间（Ts），并比较左室电极放置在不同位置对心功能的影响。结果：左室起搏和双腔起搏提高SV（均P〈0．02）和LVEF（均P〈0.001）。左室起搏和双腔起搏下左室节段MPIr改善（均P〈0．0001），下壁和前壁基底段Ts差缩短（均P〈0．0001）。电极放置在心脏侧后静脉或侧静脉时SV、LVEF和Ts较后静脉或前静脉明显改善。结论：左室起搏和双腔起搏可明显改善心力衰竭患者的心功能。超声心动图可以无创评价CRT治疗效果，并随访预后。     

Dyssynchronization reduces dynamic obstruction without affecting systolic function in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: a pilot study

Dyssynchrony from biventricular pacing (BiV) can reduce dynamic obstruction in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), but its consequences on the left ventricular (LV) systolic function are unknown. We evaluate changes in LV systolic function and assess the effectiveness of BiV in HOCM. Thirteen patients with HOCM (55 [33/75] years, five males) received a BiV device and underwent 2D transthoracic echocardiography before the implantation and at 12 months follow-up. Global longitudinal and radial strain, and the timing of segmental displacement curves were measured by commercial speckle-tracking software to assess LV systolic function and dyssynchrony. Peak gradient in the LV outflow tract (LVOT) significantly decreased from 80 [51/100] to 30 [5/66] mmHg (p?=?0.005). LV global strain was preserved from baseline to follow-up: 35.1 [20.2/43.8]?% vs. 32.6 [27.1/44.1]?%, p?=?NS (radial), and ?16.6 [?19.1/?14.4]?% vs. ?15.7 [?17.0/?14.2]?%, p?=?NS (longitudinal). Dyssynchrony analysis using displacement curves showed inversion of wall motion timing with earlier displacement of the lateral wall at follow-up only in patients with reduction in LVOT gradient. BiV reduces LVOT obstruction in patients with HOCM when dyssynchronization of LV motion and inversion of the timing of LV wall activation are reached. Notably, this does not lead to further deterioration of LV systolic function at mid-term follow-up.     

犬左心室不同激动顺序收缩期容量与压力的超声研究

目的 应用三维全容积成像技术评价正常犬收缩期左事整体和节段容量及压力变化,评价不同电机械兴奋顺序时左室整体及节段收缩功能与同步化程度.方法 19只开胸比格犬模型,分别在基础状态(BASE)和右心耳(RAA)、右室心尖(RVA)、左室侧壁(LVL)、左室心尖(LVA)起搏状态采集左室全容积图像;同步记录左室流出道收缩末压力(ESP);脱机分析左室收缩末容积(ESV)、左室舒张末容积(EDV),计算整体及17节段射血分数(EF)、节段容积同步化指数(SDI)、左室收缩期压力平均上升速率(+dp/dt)和舒张期压力平均下降速率(-dp/dt).对各参数行配对t检验、方差分析和线性相关分析.结果 ①RVA组左室整体EF、ESP、+dp/dt、-dp/dt较RAA组减低,SDI较RAA组增大(P<0.05);LVL组及LVA组整体EF与RAA组问差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),ESP,+dp/dt、-dp/dt均较RAA组减低,SDI均较RAA组增大(P<0.05).②LVL组及LVA组EF均较RVA组增高,LVL组SDI较RVA组减低(P<0.05),LVA组SDI与RVA组间差异无统计学意义.③LVL组整体EF、SDI、ESP、+dp/dt及-dp/dt与LVA组间差异无统计学意义;LVA组间隔、心尖节段EF较LVL组减低(P<0.05).④RVA组前、后间隔、心尖(除侧壁外)节段EF较RAA组减低(P<0.05);LVL组侧壁、前壁节段EF较RAA组减低;LVA起搏组前壁、前间隔、心尖节段EF较RAA组减低(P<0.05).⑤左室容积与压力参数间未能建立线性相关关系.结论 RAA起搏左室整体及少数节段收缩功能低于窦性心律;RAA起搏左室收缩与舒张功能均优于心室起博;LVL起搏左室收缩功能明显优于RVA起搏;心室起搏后,起搏位点周围左室节段收缩功能下降.     

Morphology of the RV electrogram during LV pacing is related to the hemodynamic effect in cardiac resynchronization therapy

Background: Biventricular (BiV) pacing and left ventricular (LV) pacing both improve LV function in patients with heart failure and LV dyssynchrony. We studied the hemodynamic effect of the atrioventricular (AV) interval and the associated changes in the right ventricular (RV) electrogram (EGM) during LV pacing and compared this with the hemodynamic effect of optimized sequential BiV pacing.
Methods: In 16 patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II to IV, sinus rhythm with normal AV conduction, left bundle branch block (LBBB), QRS > 130 ms, and optimal medical therapy, the changes in RV EGM during LV pacing with varying AV intervals were studied. The hemodynamic effect associated with these changes was evaluated by invasive measurement of LVdP/dt_max and compared with the result of optimized sequential BiV pacing in the same patient.
Results: All patients showed electrocardiographic fusion during LV pacing. The morphology of the RV EGM showed changes in the RV activation that indicated a shift in the extent of fusion from LV pacing. These changes were associated with significant changes in LVdP/dt_max. Baseline LV dP/dt_max was 734 ± 177 mmHg/s, which increased to 927 ± 202 mmHg/s (P<0.0001) with optimized LV pacing and to 920 ± 209 mmHg/s (P<0.0001) with optimized sequential BiV pacing.
Conclusion: The RV EGM is a proper indicator for intrinsic activation over the right bundle during LV pacing and reveals the transition to fusion in the RV EGM that is associated with a decrease in LVdP/dt_max. The hemodynamic effect of optimized LV pacing is equal to optimized sequential BiV pacing.     

Does RV Lead Positioning Provide Additional Benefit to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The left ventricular (LV) stimulation site is currently recommended to position the lead at the lateral wall. However, little is known as to whether right ventricular (RV) lead positioning is also important for cardiac resynchronization therapy. This study compared the acute hemodynamic response to biventricular pacing (BiV) at two different RV stimulation sites: RV high septum (RVHS) and RV apex (RVA). METHODS AND RESULTS: Using micro-manometer-tipped catheter, LV pressure was measured during BiV pacing at RV (RVA or RVHS) and LV free wall in 33 patients. Changes in LV dP/dt(max) and dP/dt(min) from baseline were compared between RVA and RVHS. BiV pacing increased dP/dt(max) by 30.3 +/- 1.2% in RVHS and by 33.3 +/- 1.7% in RVA (P = n.s.), and decreased dP/dt(min) by 11.4 +/- 0.7% in RVHS and by 13.0 +/- 1.0% in RVA (P = n.s.). To explore the optimal combination of RV and LV stimulation sites, we assessed separately the role of RV positioning with LV pacing at anterolateral (AL), lateral (LAT), or posterolateral (PL) segment. When the LV was paced at AL or LAT, the increase in dP/dt(max) with RVHS pacing was smaller than that with RVA pacing (AL: 12.2 +/- 2.2% vs 19.3 +/- 2.1%, P < 0.05; LAT: 22.0 +/- 2.7% vs 28.5 +/- 2.2%, P < 0.05). There was no difference in dP/dt(min) between RVHS- and RVA pacing in individual LV segments. CONCLUSIONS: RVHS stimulation has no overall advantage as an alternative stimulation site for RVA during BiV pacing. RVHS was equivalent with RVA in combination with the PL LV site, while RVA was superior to RVHS in combination with AL or LAT LV site.     

右心室不同部位起搏时左心室总体及节段心肌收缩功能的超声评估

目的 应用斑点追踪显像技术评价右心室不同部位起搏对左心室总体及节段心肌收缩功能的影响.方法 获取右室间隔起搏组(9例)、右室心尖起搏组(15例)、正常对照组(13例)心尖左室长轴观、胸骨旁左室短轴观图像,测量各节段峰值纵向应变(S_L)、峰值径向应变(S_R),计算左室总体峰值纵向应变(GS_L)、总体峰值径向应变(GS_R).结果 右室心尖起搏组GS_L[-(18.29±2.67)%]低于正常对照组[-(21.07±2.08)%]及右室间隔起搏组[-(20.54±2.29)%],差异均具有统计学意义(P＜0.05),右室间隔起搏组与正常对照组GS_L比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).而右室心尖起搏组GS_R[-(26.85±7.73)%]与右室间隔起搏组GS_R[(28.59±6.06)%]均低于正常对照组[(36.26±9.37)%],差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),两起搏组间GS_R差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),但右室心尖起搏组GS_R有进一步降低趋势.两起搏组邻近起搏位点的左室节段心肌S_L及S_R较正常对照组相应节段明显降低,但右室间隔起搏组保持了与正常对照组相似的左室内应变分布,右室心尖起搏组左室内应变分布异常.结论 斑点追踪显像技术可定量评价右室不同部位起搏时左室总体及节段心肌收缩功能变化.     

Pacemaker optimization in nonresponders to cardiac resynchronization therapy: left ventricular pacing as an available option

Background: Echocardiographic (ECHO)‐guided pacemaker optimization (PMO) in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) nonresponders acutely improves left ventricular (LV) function. However, the chronic results of LV pacing in this group are less understood. Methods: We retrospectively studied 28 CRT nonresponders optimized based on ECHO to LV pacing and compared them to 28 age‐ and gender‐matched patients optimized to biventricular (BiV) pacing. ECHOs with tissue Doppler imaging assessed LV hemodynamics before, immediately after, and 29 ± 16 months after PMO. Also, 56 age‐ and gender‐matched CRT responders were included for comparison of clinical outcomes. Results: PMO resulted in acute improvements in longitudinal LV systolic function and several measures of dyssynchrony, with greater improvements in the LV paced group. Chronic improvements in ejection fraction (EF) (3.2 ± 7.7%), and left ventricle end‐systolic volume (LVESV) (?11 ± 36 mL) and one dyssynchrony measure were seen in the combined group. Chronically, both LV and BiV paced patients improved some measures of systolic function and dyssynchrony although response varied between the groups. Survival at 3.5 years was similar (P = 0.973) between the PMO (58%) and nonoptimized groups (58%) but survival free of cardiovascular hospitalization was significantly (P = 0.037) better in the nonoptimized group. Conclusions : CRT nonresponders undergoing PMO to either LV or BiV pacing have acute improvements in longitudinal systolic function and some measures of dyssynchrony. Some benefits are sustained chronically, with improvements in EF, LVESV, and dyssynchrony. A strategy of ECHO‐guided PMO results in survival for CRT nonresponders similar to that of CRT patients not referred for PMO. (PACE 2012; 35:685–694))     

Anodal capture in cardiac resynchronization therapy implications for device programming

INTRODUCTION: Right ventricular (RV) anodal capture (AC) has been reported in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), when left ventricular (LV) pacing uses pseudobipolar (LV tip to RV proximal electrode) configuration. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of AC and its implications for device programming. METHODS AND RESULTS: When AC occurred, the resulting QRS morphology was evaluated with the following pacing modes: (1) LV tip pacing plus RV AC, (2) Biventricular (BiV) pacing (i.e., both LV and RV tip pacing), and (3) BiV pacing plus RV AC. Several interventricular pacing (VV) intervals from 50 ms of LV preactivation to 30 ms of RV preactivation were tested in modes 2 and 3. From 38 consecutive patients, AC was achieved in 14 (in 74% of the pacemakers and in none of the defibrillators). LV tip pacing plus RV AC obtained narrower QRS than BiV pacing at all VV intervals in seven of the patients with AC (50%). When BiV pacing is combined with RV AC, it produced a ventricular depolarization through two wave fronts (one from the LV tip and the second from either the ring or the tip of the RV lead depending on the VV interval programmed). CONCLUSIONS: AC obtained the narrowest QRS of all tested pacing modes in a significant proportion of patients undergoing CRT. Though the stimulus was delivered from three sites (BiV pacing plus RV AC mode), only two wave fronts of ventricular activation were seen by ECG.     

Upgrading from Single Chamber Right Ventricular to Biventricular Pacing in Permanently Paced Patients with Worsening Heart Failure: The RD-CHF Study

Background: Biventricular (BiV) stimulation lowers morbidity and mortality in patients with drug-refractory congestive heart failure (CHF), depressed left ventricular (LV) function, and ventricular dyssynchrony in absence of indication for permanent cardiac pacing. This pilot, single-blind, randomized, cross-over study examined the safety and efficacy of upgrading conventional pacing systems to BiV stimulation in patients with advanced CHF .
Methods: We included 56 patients in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classes III or IV despite optimal drug treatment and ventricular dyssynchrony (interventriclar delay >40 ms or LV preejection delay >140 ms) in need of pacemaker replacement. We compared the patients' functional status, arrhythmias, and standard echocardiographic measurements during 3 months of conventional, single right ventricular (RV) versus 3 months of BiV stimulation .
Results: There were 44 patients in the cross-over phase. QRS duration was shortened by 23% and LV preejection delay by 16% with BiV stimulation. NYHA functional class, 6-minute hall walk and quality of life score were significantly improved with BiV stimulation compared with single RV pacing by 18%, 29%, and 19%, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the ventricular arrhythmia burden or LV reverse remodeling between the 2 periods .
Conclusions: This pilot study showed that upgrading from RV pacing to BiV pacing significantly improves symptoms and exercise tolerance in chronically paced patients with advanced CHF and mechanical dyssynchrony .     

Ventricular activation sequence during left ventricular pacing promotes QRS complex oversensing in the atrial channel

Background: Left ventricular (LV)‐only pacing has a significant effect on delay in depolarization of parts of the ventricles that are likely oversensed in the right atrial channel. The study aimed to assess the impact of ventricular activation sequence on QRS oversensing and far‐field endless‐loop pacemaker tachycardia (ELT) in patients who received cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. Methods: The study examined 102 patients with CRT devices. Oversensing artifacts in the atrial channel were inspected on intracardiac electrograms, and their timing with respect to the beginning of QRS was determined during DDD‐right ventricular (RV), DDD‐LV, DDD‐biventricular (BiV), and AAI pacing modes. The occurrence of ELT during DDD‐LV pacing with a postventricular atrial refractory period (PVARP) of 250 ms was also assessed. Results: The timing of oversensing artifacts (in relation to the beginning of surface QRS) was dependent on ventricular activation sequence, occurring promptly following intrinsic activation via the right bundle branch (47.1 ± 26.4 ms), later during RV pacing (108.7 ± 22.5 ms) or BiV pacing (109.4 ± 23.1 ms), and significantly later, corresponding to the final part of the QRS, during LV pacing (209.6 ± 40.0 ms, range: 140–340 ms, P < 0.001). Oversensing was significantly more frequent during LV than during RV pacing (35.3% vs 22.5%, P < 0.001). Far‐field ELT was observed in six patients. Conclusions: Oversensing artifacts in the atrial channel are likely caused by depolarization of the basal part of the right ventricle. The novel mechanism of QRS oversensing outside PVARP, caused by a reversed ventricular activation sequence during LV‐only pacing, may be important in some CRT patients. (PACE 2011; 34:1682–1686)     

斑点追踪成像技术评价心室起博对左心室壁运动影响的实验研究

目的 应用斑点追踪成像技术(STI)观察评价心室起搏对左室室壁运动的影响.方法 7只成年猪在全麻成功后切开胸骨及心包,暴露出心脏.将起搏器电极放在心外膜上行左室或右室起搏,并在起搏前后采集左室中段短轴切面超声图像.用STI软件对图像进行环向应变分析并得出时间应变曲线.以QRS波作为心动周期的起点,分析起搏前后的心肌收缩起始时间、终止时间及收缩总时间占整个心动周期的比率,并了解左室壁各节段收缩协调情况.结果 与窦性心律相比,所有心室起搏心律的收缩起始时间、终止时间及收缩总时间占整个心动周期的比率均增大.心室起搏可导致室壁各节段运动明显不协调.当起搏心率＞130次/min时,在起搏心电图正常情况下,左室整体及部分节段在一个心动周期中出现一次以上的收缩或舒张运动,并出现在相邻的几个心动周期中收缩幅度变异性很大情况.结论 心室起搏可引起左室收缩延迟及时间延长,并可引起左室室壁各节段运动不协调.高频率心室起搏还可能引起左室室壁不规则运动.

Abstract：

Objective To assess the change of left ventricular wall motion at ventricular pacing(VP)by using global circumferential strain (GCS) and segmental circumferential strain of speckle tracking imaging(STI). Methods Seven adult pigs were sedated,followed by median sternotomy and opening of the pericardium. Temporary pacing leads were placed on the right ventricular (RV) epicardium and LV epicardium for RV or LV pacing. A LV short axis view at the mid-level LV was acquired at sinus and VP rhythm. Analysis of circumferential strain by STI was performed offline. The onset of QRS wave was used to characterize the beginning of the cardiac cycle, and the ratio of beginning systolic time, end systolic time and total systolic time to cardiac cycle dyssynchrony was analyzed at sinus and VP rhythm. Results Compared with sinus rhythm,in VP rhythm all of the ratio of the beginning systolic time,end systolic time and total systolic time to cardiac cycle were increased (all P ＜0.05), and the construction of six segments were dyssynchrony,even segmental paradoxical movement. At VP ≥130 beats/min,both LV global and LV segments sometimes showed irregular motion while the EKG remained normal, which included: ( 1 ) multiple construction and diastole in one heart cycle; (2) A large variability of construction amplitude in several consecutive cardiac cycles. Conclusions VP can lead to several kinds of disturbance of left ventricular wall motion, including delay and lengthening of LV systole, dyssynchrony, and irregularity of systole and diastole.     

Effects of biventricular pacing and scar size in a computational model of the failing heart with left bundle branch block

ObjectivesTo study the impact of biventricular pacing (BiV) and scar size on left ventricular (LV) regional and global function using a detailed finite element model of three-dimensional electromechanics in the failing canine heart.BackgroundCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) clinical trials have demonstrated that up to 30% of patients may be classified as non-responders. The presence of a scar appears to contribute to those that do not respond to CRT. A recent study in patients with myocardial scar showed that LV dyssynchrony was the sole independent predictor of reverse remodeling, and not scar location or size.MethodsTwo activation sequences were simulated: left bundle branch block (LBBB) and acute simultaneous BiV (with leads in the left and right ventricle) in hearts with chronic scars of various sizes. The dependence of regional function (mean fiber ejection strain, variance of fiber isovolumic strain and fraction of tissue stretched during ejection) and global function (left ventricular dP/dt_max, ejection fraction, stroke work) on scar size and pacing protocol was tested.ResultsGlobal function and regional function averaged over the whole LV during LBBB and BiV decreased as a function of scar size. In the non-scarred regions, however, regional function was largely independent of scar size for a fixed pacing site.ConclusionsThe model results suggest that uniformity of mechanical contraction in non-scarred regions in the failing heart during biventricular pacing is independent of scar size for a fixed pacing site.     

斑点追踪显像评价心脏移植患者左心室收缩及扭转功能

目的 探讨斑点追踪显像技术评价心脏移植患者左心室收缩及扭转功能的价值.方法 应用GE Vivid 7彩色多普勒超声显像仪及M3S探头,对9例心脏移植患者和10例正常人采集标准心尖四腔观、心尖二腔观、心尖长轴观以及二尖瓣水平短轴观、乳头肌水平短轴观、心尖水平短轴观图像,应用EchoPAC多参数工作站分析各节段心肌应变、位移及扭转角度.结果 9例心脏移植患者在未出现急性或慢性排异反应时,其整体收缩功能正常,但部分节段心肌收缩功能较正常对照组降低,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);部分节段的扭转角度较正常对照组增大,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 斑点追踪显像技术能够无创、简单而迅速地评价心脏移植患者左心室收缩功能及扭转功能.     

速度向量成像技术评价DDD起搏前后左心室心肌应变与位移

目的探讨速度向量成像(VVI)技术分析DDD起搏前后左心室心肌运动应变和位移变化规律以及该技术的应用价值。方法 23例DDD起搏患者手术前后均采用VVI技术检测心室各节段心肌收缩期纵向运动应变和位移,并比较其在手术前后的差异。结果 23例DDD起搏患者术后侧壁、后间隔、前壁以及下壁多个节段应变和位移显著低于术前,基底段与中间段术后平均应变和位移显著低于术前(P均0.01);整个左心室术后应变和位移亦较术前明显降低(P均0.05)。术前、术后左心室各节段位移从基底段、中间段到心尖段呈依次递减,而应变无这种递减规律。结论 (1)DDD起搏前后左心室心肌运动应变和位移明显不同,术后较术前明显降低;(2)VVI技术能准确地定量评价DDD起搏前后左心室心肌运动应变和位移。     

Assessment of Permanent Selective His Bundle Pacing in Left Ventricular Synchronization Using 3-D Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

The study described here aimed to evaluate left ventricular (LV) systolic mechanical synchronization during permanent selective His bundle pacing (SHBP) using 3-D speckle-tracking echocardiography post-operatively and 6 mo after pacemaker implantation in 62 patients randomly assigned to SHBP (n?=?32) or right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP, n?=?30). A standard apex four-chamber view was exposed and was transformed into full-volume mode under 3-D echocardiography. Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was analyzed offline. The primary endpoint was LV mechanical synchronization post-operatively and during the 6-mo follow-up. Significant LV dyssynchrony was detected while evaluating the maximum time difference and standard deviation of 16-segment systolic time to peak 3-D strain at 1 wk and 6 mo. The pacing thresholds were significantly higher in the SHBP than in the RVAP group throughout follow-up. The R-wave amplitude was significantly lower in the SHBP group than with RVAP. The pacing parameters during SHBP were as stable as during conventional RVAP during the mid-term follow-up. In conclusion, 3-D speckle-tracking echocardiography is feasible and provides a more convenient method for evaluating LV synchrony.     

Stimulation rate and the optimal interventricular interval during cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation

Background: Optimization of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with respect to the interventricular (V‐V) interval is mainly limited to pacing at a resting heart rate. We studied the effect of higher stimulation rates with univentricular and biventricular (BiV) pacing modes including the effect of the V‐V interval optimization. Methods: In 36 patients with heart failure and chronic atrial fibrillation (AF), the effects of right ventricular (RV), left ventricular (LV), simultaneous BiV, and optimized sequential BiV (BiVopt) pacing were measured. The effect of the pacing mode and the optimal V‐V interval was determined at stimulation rates of 70, 90, and 110 ppm using invasive measurement of the maximum rate of left ventricular pressure rise (LV dP/dt_max). Results: The average LV dP/dt _max for all pacing modalities at stimulation rates of 70, 90, and 110 ppm was 781 ± 176, 833 ± 197, and 884 ± 223 mmHg/s for RV pacing; 893 ± 178, 942 ± 186, and 981 ± 194 mmHg/s for LV pacing; 904 ± 179, 973 ± 187, and 1052 ± 206 mmHg/s for simultaneous BiV pacing; and 941 ± 186, 1010 ± 198, and 1081 ± 206 mmHg/s for BiVopt pacing, respectively. In BiVopt pacing, the corresponding optimal V‐V interval decreased from 34 ± 29, 28 ± 28, and 21 ± 27 ms at stimulation rates of 70, 90, and 110 ppm, respectively . In two individuals, LV dP/dt_max decreased when the pacing rate was increased from 90 to 110 ppm. Conclusion: In patients with AF and heart failure, LV dP/dt_max increases for all pacing modalities at increasing stimulation rates in most, but not all, patients. The rise in LV dP/dt_max with increasing stimulation rates is higher in biventricular (BiV and BiVopt) than in univentricular (LV and RV) pacing. The optimal V‐V interval at sequential biventricular pacing decreases with increasing stimulation rates.     

Effect of pacing-induced ventricular dyssynchrony on right ventricular function

Background: Asynchronous electrical activation induced by right ventricular (RV) pacing can cause several abnormalities in left ventricular (LV) function. However, the effect of ventricular pacing on RV function has not been well established. We evaluated RV function in patients undergoing long‐term RV pacing. Methods: Eighty‐five patients and 24 healthy controls were included. After pacemaker implantation, conventional echocardiography and strain imaging were used to analyze RV function. Strain imaging measurements included peak systolic strain and strain rate. LV function and ventricular dyssynchrony by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) were assessed. Intra‐ and interobserver variabilities of TDI parameters were tested on 15 randomly selected cases. Results: All patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II and percentage of ventricular pacing was 96 ± 4%. RV apical induced interventricular dyssynchrony in 49 patients (60%). LV dyssynchrony was found in 51 patients (60%), when the parameter examined was the standard deviation of the time to peak myocardial systolic velocity of all 12 segments greater than 34 ms. Likewise, septal‐to‐lateral delay ≥65 ms was found in 31 patients (36%). All echocardiographic indexes of RV function were similar between patients and controls (strain: ?22.8 ± 5.8% vs ?22.1 ± 5.6%, P = 0.630; strain rate: ?1.47 ± 0.91 s^?1 vs ?1.42 ± 0.39 s^?1, P = 0.702). Intra‐ and interobserver variability for RV strain was 3.1% and 5.3%, and strain rate was 1.3% and 2.1%, respectively. Conclusions: In patients with standard pacing indications, RV apical pacing did not seem to affect RV systolic function, despite induction of electromechanical dyssynchrony. (PACE 2011; 34:155–162)     

An Algorithm for Verifying Biventricular Capture Based on Evoked-Response Morphology

Cardiac resynchronization therapy relies on consistent beat-by-beat myocardial capture in both ventricles. A pacemaker ensuring right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) capture through reliable capture verification and automatic output adjustment would contribute to patients' safety and quality of life. We studied the feasibility of an algorithm based on evoked-response (ER) morphology for capture verification in both the ventricles. RV and LV ER signals were recorded in 20 patients (mean age 72.5 years, range 64.3–80.4 years, 4 females and 16 males) during implantation of biventricular (BiV) pacing systems. Leads of several manufacturers were tested. Pacing and intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) recording were performed using an external pulse generator. IEGM and surface-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) signals were recorded under different pacing conditions for 10 seconds each: RV pacing only, LV pacing only, and BiV pacing with several interventricular delays. Based on morphology characteristics, ERs were classified manually for capture and failure to capture, and the validity of the classification was assessed by reference to the ECG. A total of 3,401 LV- and 3,345 RV-paced events were examined. In the RV and LV, the sensitivities of the algorithm were 95.6% and 96.1% in the RV and LV, respectively, and the corresponding specificities were 91.4% and 95.2%, respectively. The lower sensitivity in the RV was attributed to signal blanking in both channels during BiV pacing with a nonzero interventricular delay. The analysis revealed that the algorithm for identifying capture and failure to capture based on the ER-signal morphology was safe and effective in each ventricle with all leads tested in the study.     

Invasive optimization of cardiac resynchronization therapy: role of sequential biventricular and left ventricular pacing

BACKGROUND: Aim of this invasive study was to characterize and quantify changes in left ventricular (LV) systolic function due to sequential biventricular pacing (BV) as compared to right atrial triggered simultaneous BV (BV(0)), LV, and right ventricular (RV) pacing in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS: In 22 CHF patients, all in sinus rhythm, temporary multisite pacing was performed prior to implantation of a permanent system. LV systolic function was evaluated invasively by the maximum rate of LV pressure increase (dP/dt(max)). Sequential BV pacing was performed with preactivation of either ventricle at 20-80 ms. RESULTS: In comparison to RV pacing, LV and BV(0) pacing increased dP/dt(max) by 33.9 +/- 19.3% and 34.0 +/- 22.6%, respectively (P < 0.001). In 9 patients, optimized sequential BV pacing further improved dP/dt(max) by 8.5 +/- 4.8% compared to BV(0) (range 3.3-17.1, P < 0.05). In 10 patients exhibiting a PR interval < or =200 ms, LV pacing was either superior (n = 6) or equal to BV(0) pacing (n = 4). In these 10 patients, LV pacing yielded a 7.4 +/- 8.0% higher dP/dt(max) than BV(0) pacing (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using sequential BV pacing, generally with LV preactivation, moderate improvements in LV systolic function can be achieved in selected patients. Baseline PR interval may aid in the selection of the optimum cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) mode, favoring LV pacing in patients with a PR interval < or =200 ms.     

An evaluation of the use of new Doppler methods for detecting longitudinal function abnormalities in a pacing-induced heart failure model.

BACKGROUND: Doppler tissue echocardiography and color M-mode Doppler flow propagation velocity have proven useful in evaluating cross-sections of patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, but experience with serial changes is limited. Purpose and methods: We tested their use by evaluating the temporal changes of LV function in a pacing-induced congestive heart failure model. Rapid ventricular pacing was initiated and maintained in 20 dogs for 4 weeks. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and weekly during brief pacing cessation. RESULTS: With rapid pacing, LV volume significantly increased and ejection fraction (57%-28%), stroke volume (37-18 mL), and mitral annulus systolic velocity (16.1-6.6 cm/s) by Doppler tissue echocardiography significantly decreased, with ejection fraction and mitral annulus systolic velocity closely correlated (r = 0.706, P <.0001). In contrast to the mitral inflow velocities, mitral annulus early diastolic velocity decreased steadily (12.3-7.3 cm/s) resulting in a dramatic decrease in mitral annulus early/late (1.22-0.57) diastolic velocity with no tendency toward pseudonormalization. The color M-mode Doppler flow propagation velocity also showed significant steady decrease (57-24 cm/s) throughout the pacing period. Multiple regression analysis chose mitral annulus systolic velocity (r = 0.895, P <.0001) and propagation velocity (r = 0.782, P <.0001) for the most important factor predicting LV systolic and diastolic function, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Doppler tissue echocardiography and color M-mode Doppler flow could evaluate the serial deterioration in LV dysfunction throughout the pacing period. These were more useful in quantifying progressive LV dysfunction than conventional ehocardiographic techniques, and were probably relatively independent of preload. These techniques could be suitable for longitudinal evaluation in addition to the cross-sectional study.