Electrocardiographic characteristics in low atrial septum pacing

AIM: The aim of the study was to compare P-wave morphology and duration in pacing from the low right atrial septal wall and the high right atrial appendage (RAA). METHODS: The electrocardiogram (ECG) of 50 patients with low atrial septum (LAS) pacing and that of 50 patients with RAA pacing were compared with their electrocardiogram during sinus rhythm. RESULTS: In the frontal plane, patients with LAS pacing showed a superior P-wave axis between -60 degrees and -90 degrees . In all patients with RAA pacing, a P-wave axis between 0 degrees and +90 degrees was observed as in sinus rhythm. In the horizontal plane, all patients with LAS pacing had an anterior P-wave axis between +90 degrees and +210 degrees , whereas all patients with RAA pacing had a posterior P-wave axis between -30 degrees and -90 degrees . The terminal part of biphasic P waves in lead V 1 in LAS pacing was always positive, a pattern that was never observed in P waves of sinus origin or in RAA pacing. P-wave duration was longer with RAA pacing compared with LAS pacing (115 +/- 19 vs 80 +/- 14 milliseconds [ P < .01]). CONCLUSION: The total atrial activation time during LAS pacing is shorter than that during RAA pacing. The electrical atrial activation sequences in LAS pacing and RAA pacing are significantly different. The morphology of biphasic P waves in lead V1 during LAS pacing suggests that the initial part of activation occurs in the left atrium and the terminal part in the right atrium.     

Incidence and characteristics of far-field R-wave sensing in low right atrial septum pacing

BACKGROUND: Although low atrial septal (LAS) pacing may prevent atrial tachyarrhythmias in selected patients, far-field R-wave (FFRW) sensing in this region seems more likely than in the right atrial appendage. MetHODS AND RESULTS: We compared the clinical characteristics and prevalence of FFRW sensing in 31 recipients (mean age, 74 ± 10 years) of dual-chamber pacemakers, randomly assigned to 10.0 mm (n=15) vs. 1.1mm (n=16) tip-ring electrode spacing of bipolar atrial leads implanted in the LAS for management of bradyarrhythmias. The pacemakers were programmed to DDD mode with backup rates at 50-60 beats/min. FFRW sensing was measured with atrial sensitivity set at 0.1 mV, and increased in 0.1 mV steps. Predictors of FFRW sensing were examined by multiple variable regression analysis, and hazard ratios (HR) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. At atrial sensitivities of 0.1 and 0.5 mV, FFRW was sensed in 24 (77%) and 9 (29%) patients, respectively. A 10.0-mm tip-ring electrode spacing of the atrial lead (HR 10.3; 95%CI 1.0-102.7; P=0.047), and presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on 12-lead ECG (HR 14.5, 95%CI 1.2-180.0; P=0.037) were independent predictors of FFRW sensing. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of FFRW sensing in the LAS region was high. A narrow spacing of the tip-ring electrodes is recommended in the LAS, particularly in the presence of LVH on ECG.     

低位房间隔起搏的临床应用

目的行低位房间隔(LAS,Koch三角处)起搏并与右心耳(RAA)起搏进行比较和评价。方法60例需置入DDD起搏器的患者,随机分为RAA起搏组和LAS起搏组各30例,其中LAS组先将主动螺旋固定电极导线放置在RAA测量起搏参数后再将其植入LAS,而RAA组则用被动翼状电极导线直接固定在RAA。分别测量不同部位的起搏参数,比较手术成功率、X线曝光时间、术中及术后脱位率。结果两个部位的起搏电压阈值、阻抗无明显差别,但腔内P波振幅LAS明显高于RAA(3.8±0.7 mV vs 2.2±0.8 mV),LAS起搏的P波宽度明显短于RAA起搏的P波宽度(88±18 ms vs 154±37 ms)。与RAA组相比,LAS组的手术成功率偏低(90%vs 100%),手术曝光时间亦明显延长(128±45 s vs 12±4 s),术中脱位率在低位房间隔明显高于右心耳(33.3%vs 0%)。结论LAS起搏是可行的,能较RAA起搏明显缩短心房激动时间,但植入手术较传统RAA起搏复杂。     

Prevention of chronic atrial fibrillation by pacing in the region of Bachmann's bundle: results of a multicenter randomized trial

INTRODUCTION: Atrial pacing locations that decrease atrial activation and recovery time may be preferable in patients with a history of atrial arrhythmias. This multicenter prospective randomized study compared the efficacy of Bachmann's bundle (BB) region pacing to right atrial appendage (RAA) pacing in patients with recurrent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with standard pacing indications (n = 120, 70+/-11 years) were randomized to atrial pacing in either the RAA (n = 57) or BB region (n = 63). Implantation time was similar between groups (88+/-36 min [n = 38] for BB vs 83+/-34 min [n = 34] for RAA). No differences in pacing threshold, impedance, or sensing between BB and RAA groups were observed at implantation or after the 6-week, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up periods. Average length of follow-up was 12.6+/-7.4 months for the BB group and 11.8+/-8.0 months for the RAA pacing group. The percentage of atrial pacing was similar between groups (61%+/-34% RAA vs 65%+/-31% BB at 2 weeks after implant). BB atrial pacing significantly (P < 0.05) shortened p wave duration compared with sinus rhythm (123+/-21 msec vs 132+/-21 msec, n = 50) 2 weeks after implant. In contrast, p wave duration was longer during atrial pacing from the RAA position compared with sinus rhythm (148+/-23 msec vs 123+/-23 msec, n = 37). Additionally, p wave duration was shorter during BB pacing than during RAA pacing. Patients with BB pacing had a higher (P < 0.05) rate of survival free from chronic AF (75%) compared with patients with RAA pacing (47%) at 1 year. CONCLUSION: BB region pacing is safe and effective for attenuating the progression of AF.     

不同部位心房起搏对心房电活动的影响

目的 观察右心耳及房间隔起搏对心房电活动的影响。方法 对DDD永久起搏器安置术109例（右心耳电极72例、房间隔电极37例）术前、术后分别描记体表12导联心电图，测量右心耳及房间隔起搏前后最长P波时间（Pmax）及P波离散度（Pd）。结果 右心耳起搏方式，Pmax及Pd较术前明显增加，而房间隔起搏方式Pmax及Pd较术前显著减少（P均〈0．05）。结论 房间隔起搏方式使心房电活动较稳定，有助于预防房性心律失常。     

Differences in pacing from the atrial appendage and the lateral atrial free wall on left ventricular filling and haemodynamics during DDD pacing.

INTRODUCTION: Atrioventricular sequential pacing involves stimulation from electrodes in the right atrium, generally the atrial appendage (RAA) and the right ventricular apex. The appendage, however, may be unsuitable if a stable position cannot be achieved. The aim of this study was to assess the haemodynamic consequences of different atrial stimulation sites during DDD pacing. METHODS: In 12 consecutive patients (mean age 67 +/- 7 years) who underwent DDD pacemaker implantation, an additional temporary bipolar pacing electrode was positioned on the right atrial free wall. Pacing was performed alternating from the two locations at 85, 100 and 120 beats per minute (bpm). Paced atrioventricular delay was set at 180 ms. Cardiac output and mitral inflow measurements were performed using Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: Pacing at 85 and 100 bpm resulted in a significantly higher A-peak velocity from the RAA compared with the right atrial free wall. Cardiac index was consistently higher from the RAA location (2.4 +/- 1.2 vs 2.1 +/- 0.91. min-1 m-2 at 85 bpm, 2.71 +/- 1.4 vs 2.35 +/- 1.11. min-1 m-2 at 100 bpm and 2.94 +/- 1.5 vs 2.61 +/- 1.41. min-1 m-2 at 120 bpm, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Stimulation from the RAA was superior to stimulation from the right atrial free wall with respect to left ventricular filling and cardiac output. Compared with stimulation from the right atrial free wall, RAA pacing resulted in an increase of 10-15% in cardiac output.     

No evidence of automatic atrial overdrive pacing efficacy on reduction of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is frequently encountered in pacemaker patients, most commonly in sick sinus syndrome. The combination of site-specific pacing in conjunction with an overdrive algorithm combined with antiarrhythmic drugs on the incidence of PAF in patients with a conventional indication for pacing is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with pacemaker indication and PAF received a DDDR-pacemaker, which included an automatic atrial overdrive (AO) algorithm. The atrial lead was implanted in either the right atrial appendage (RAA) (n = 83) or the right low-atrial septum (LAS) (n = 94). The algorithm was switched on or off in a 3 month, single blind crossover design and antiarrhythmic drugs were kept stable. A control group of 96 patients (LAS, n = 14; RAA, n = 84) without PAF served as controls to assess any proarrhythmic effect of overdrive pacing. Atrial fibrillation (AF) burden defined as cumulative time in mode switch was not reduced during automatic AO from either the RAA or from the LAS. The reduction was not effective both for AF of short (<24 h) and long (> or =24 h) duration. There was no atrial proarrhythmia induced by the overdrive algorithm in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: We could not demonstrate a reduction of AF burden defined as cumulative time in AF by the AO algorithm, in patients who are paced for standard indications and PAF, neither from the RAA nor from the LAS.     

Septal atrial pacing for the prevention of atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) produces significant morbidity and mortality. The current method of permanent pacing of the right atrium (RA) may cause delayed interatrial conduction and predispose to AF. We hypothesized that atrial septal pacing would reduce AF compared with high RA pacing. METHODS AND RESULTS: The patients were randomized into two groups. After randomization, patients received a dual-chamber rate-responsive device capable of mode-switching with advanced telemetry features. Devices were programmed in a standardized manner. To be eligible, the patients were required to have a conventional indication for a permanent pacemaker and recurrent paroxysmal AF. Group 1 was paced from high RA and Group 2 was paced from the atrial septum. Analysis of 43 patients who have completed 6 months of follow-up and 22 patients who completed 12 months of follow-up showed no significant differences in the number of mode-switching episodes or in AF burden between groups (P = NS by Mann-Whitney) although there was a trend for less AF with septal pacing. There were no differences in thresholds, sensing, or lead impedance. Lead parameters remained stable over time and there were no displacements of the electrodes after implantation. No patient experienced lead-related complications. A significant variability in AF burden was noted in this patient population. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of an atrial-active fixation lead on the atrial septum is safe and feasible. However, this study showed no significant difference between septal pacing and high atrial pacing, using the endpoints of AF duration and number of AF episodes.     

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.     

低位房间隔起搏与右心耳起搏的临床对比研究

目的 探讨低位房间隔起搏与右心耳起搏在植入操作时间、起搏参数方面的差异.方法 选取40例因窦房结功能障碍或成人获得性房室传导阻滞导致的缓慢型心律失常行起搏治疗的患者分为两组.其中,房间隔组20例,采用主动固定螺旋电极行低位房间隔起搏;右心耳组20例,采用被动固定翼状电极行右心耳起搏.对比两组电极植入操作时间,电极植入时、术后1个月、3个月的起搏参数（阈值和阻抗）.结果 房间隔组与右心耳组比较,心房电极植入操作时间和起搏参数在术中、术后1个月、3个月差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论 低位房间隔起搏与右心耳起搏具有相似的电极植入操作时间以及相同的起搏参数,为临床起搏治疗的有效部位.     

不同部位及不同方式心房起搏对心房激动的影响

目的 了解不同部位、不同方式心房起搏时P波、P－R间期以及心房激动顺序的特点，从而寻找最佳的心房单部位起搏方式。方法 对20例射频消融成功后的患者，分别放置高位右房、右心耳、Koch三角、希氏束以及冠状窦电极，若为左侧旁路则加置左心房电极，行不同部位、不同方式心房起搏。结果 Koch三角、Koch三角＋高位右房、左房、双房起膊时P波宽度、P－R间期无差异，但右心耳起搏时各导联P波增宽，P－R间期延长。从心房激动顺序分析，右心耳起搏时，激动传至希氏束区及冠状窦区的时间最长，而Koch三角、Koch三角＋高位右房及双房起搏时则较短，尤其是Koch三角、Koch三角＋高位右房起搏缩短更明显。另外，不同部位、不同方式起搏时右心房压力无差异。结论 Koch三角起搏在某种程度上可替代高位右房＋冠状窦起搏及双房起搏。     

Comparison of spontaneous atrial fibrillation electrogram potentials with the P-wave electrogram amplitude in dual chamber pacing with unipolar atrial sensing.

AIMS: Although bipolar sensing is recommended and desirable in patients with dual chamber pacemakers (DDD) and intermittent atrial fibrillation (AF) it is a clinical reality that some patients who are given unipolar atrial leads without a prior history of AF may develop intermittent AF during follow-up. It was therefore the purpose of this prospective study to compare the electrogram amplitudes of AF potentials with sinus rhythm P-wave potentials as a relevant factor for appropriate mode switching in dual chamber pacing with unipolar atrial sensing. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-two patients with dual chamber pacemakers, unipolar atrial leads and intermittent AF were studied. Aside from measuring the P-wave potential, it was possible in 14 patients (4 women, 10 men; mean age: 61.8 (+/- 13.3) years) additionally to document spontaneous AF electrogram potentials using pacemaker telemetry. A prospective survey study was performed including a 6 month follow-up period with an outpatient clinic visit every 2-3 weeks. The mean P-wave electrogram amplitude was 3.4 (+/- 1.8) mV (range: 1.4-7.4) compared with the mean amplitude during AF of 2.04 (+/- 1.26) mV (range: 0.8-5.2 mV) indicating a significant attenuation of 40% during AF (P < 0.0001). A linear correlation regression analysis revealed that there was a significant correlation between the P-wave and the AF amplitude (P < 0.0001), with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.867. CONCLUSION: Once it is known that a substantial reduction exists in electrogram amplitude, compared with the P wave electrogram potential, an estimate can be made of whether AF potentials will be sensed, if the programming of atrial sensitivity is congruent with the P-wave characteristics and the presence or absence of myopotential triggering.     

DDD and single-lead VDD pacing: evaluation of atrial signal dynamic changes

BACKGROUND: Single-lead VDD pacing systems are an alternative to conventional DDD pacemakers in patients with atrioventricular (AV) block and normal sinus function. HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to assess changes of P-wave amplitude occurring in dynamic conditions in two groups of patients with a single-lead VDD and with a DDD pacing system, respectively. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with second- or third-degree AV block and normal sinus function were enrolled prospectively into the study. Seventeen patients were implanted with a single-lead VDD pacing system and 11 with a DDD pacemaker. Patients were evaluated at 3 months (all patients) and at 6 months (26 patients) at supine and in dynamic conditions (postural changes, hyperventilation, and during exercise). RESULTS: Mean P-wave values at supine were 1.92 +/- 1.10 mV at 3 months and 1.76 +/- 1.01 mV at 6 months for VDD systems, and 4.63 +/- 2.18 mV at 3 months and 4.58 +/- 2.80 mV at 6 months for DDD pacemakers. In dynamic conditions, P-wave amplitude changes compared with supine condition ranged between -74 and +226% in VDD, and between -53 and +138% in DDD; however P-wave amplitudes showed no significant changes compared with baseline. Moreover, changes in atrial signal amplitudes did not occur randomly, and in both systems P-wave amplitudes remained significantly correlated with supine values. CONCLUSIONS: A wide range of P-wave amplitude variations occurs in different postural conditions or during exercise, both with single-lead VDD and DDD pacing systems. However, with appropriate programming of atrial sensitivity based on supine values, constant atrial tracking can be maintained.     

Effect of Bachmann's bundle pacing on atrial fibrillation: electrophysiologic assessment

BACKGROUND: It has recently been reported that simultaneous multisite atrial pacing, Bachmann's bundle (BB) pacing, and coronary sinus (CS) pacing are useful for preventing the induction of atrial fibrillation (AF). HYPOTHESIS: We investigated whether a simple pacing approach via BB could reduce the induction of AF by extrastimuli (S2) from the right atrial appendage (RAA). METHODS: Programmed electrical stimulation was performed from the RAA and the area of BB at the superior aspect of the atrial septum, and bipolar recordings were obtained from the RAA, BB, and CS in 14 patients. RESULTS: In five patients, AF was induced with critically timed RAA-S2 delivered during RAA pacing. However, AF was not induced in any patient when RAA-S2 was delivered during BB pacing. The duration of the P wave during BB pacing was significantly shorter than that during RAA pacing and sinus rhythm (BB 80 +/- 16 ms vs. RAA 106 +/- 36 ms vs. sinus rhythm 100 +/- 24 ms, p < 0.05). The intra-atrial conduction time to the distal coronary sinus (CSd) caused by early S2 at the RAA was significantly reduced by BB pacing (BB 114 +/- 22 ms vs. RAA 157 +/- 35 ms, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Bachmann's bundle pacing reduces atrial conduction time caused by RAA-S2 and may be useful for preventing the induction of AF.     

Future easy and physiological cardiac pacing

The right atrial appendage (RAA) and right ventricular apex (RVA) have been widely considered as conventional sites for typical dual-chamber atrio-ventricular cardiac (DDD) pacing. Unfortunately conventional RAA pacing seems not to be able to prevent atrial fibrillation in DDD pacing for tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome, and the presence of a left bundle branch type of activation induced by RVA pacing can have negative effects. A new technology with active screw-in leads permits a more physiological atrial and right ventricular pacing. In this review, we highlight the positive effects of pacing of these new and easily selected sites. The septal atrial lead permits a shorter and more homogeneous atrial activation, allowing better prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The para-Hisian pacing can be achieved in a simpler and more reliable way with respect to biventricular pacing and direct Hisian pacing. We await larger trials to consider this "easy and physiological pacing" as a first approach in patients who need a high frequency of pacing.     

快速右心房起搏对实验犬心房胶原纤维分布的影响

目的 实验探讨切除上腔静脉中部和主动脉根部脂肪垫(简称脂肪垫)对快速右心房(RA)起搏实验犬的心房胶原容积分数(CVF)的空间分布变化意义.方法 24只成年健康杂种犬雌雄不限,随机分为切除脂肪垫组、保留脂肪垫组和假手术组,每组8只.RA心外膜起搏6周,按左心房(LA)、RA、左心耳(LAA)、右心耳(RAA)、房间隔(AS)5个部位取材,Masson染色测算CVF,荧光定量聚合酶链反应技术检测缝隙连接蛋白(Cx)40和Cx43mRNA表达.结果 (1)假手术组和切除脂肪垫组CVF在部位分布上差异无统计学意义;保留脂肪垫组胶原增生明显,见于LAA和AS,P＜0.01.(2)假手术组Cx40mRNA含量分布在LA、RA、RAA、AS间差异无统计学意义;Cx40mRNA表达在切除脂肪垫组与保留脂肪垫组以LA、LAA增多且组间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).(3)假手术组Cx43mRNA含量优势表达于RA、RAA,P＜0.01;而在切除脂肪垫组LA、RA、RAA、AS其含量增多,在保留脂肪垫组的相应部位,其含量减少,P＜0.01.结论 快速RA起搏所致心房间质纤维增生具有空间各异向性,去迷走神经能抑制此效应.迷走神经效应影响起搏后Cx40mRNA与Cx43mRNA在心房与心耳间含量的表达.     

Atrial lead location at the Bachmann's bundle region results in a low incidence of far field R-wave sensing.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to investigate far field R-wave sensing (FFRS) rate and characteristics at different right atrial (RA) positions in patients treated with multisite atrial pacing, with the RA lead implanted at the Bachmann's bundle (BB) area in 69 patients, in comparison to RA appendage (RAA) in 70 patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: All measurements were done during sinus rhythm in supine patients, with unipolar (UP) and bipolar (BP) sensing configuration. The presence, amplitude threshold (FFRS trsh) and FFRS timing were determined. Sensing safety margin was defined as the ratio of sensed P-wave vs. FFRS trsh, for both the minimal (Pmin) and the mean (Pmean) P-wave amplitude. At both atrial locations BP sensing was superior to UP in FFRS rejection (P < 0.0001). At 0.5 mV sensitivity level (BP) FFRS occurred in 1% of patients at the BB site vs. 11% at the RAA (P = 0.01). FFRS trsh (BP) was 0.2 +/- 0.1 mV at the BB vs. 0.4 +/- 0.3 mV in the RAA position (P < 0.0001). Sensing safety margin, when determined for the Pmin amplitude was > or =5 in 99% of patients from the BB group, in comparison to 66% of RAA patients (P < 0.0001), in whom it was <2 in 13%. Even with the use of BP leads equipped with a 10 mm tip-to-ring spacing FFRS incidence was lower at the BB site (P < 0.01), FFRS trsh was lower (P < 0.001), and sensing safety margin was higher vs. RAA (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Bachmann's bundle area features optimal conditions for signal sensing, and such atrial lead positioning may offer advantages to prevent oversensing of R-wave, thus improving functioning of standard dual chamber pacemakers, ICDs and CRT-Ds.     

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.     

Effects of simultaneous atrioventricular pacing on atrial refractoriness and atrial fibrillation inducibility: role of atrial mechanoelectrical feedback

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an acute increase in atrial pressure on refractoriness (mechanoelectrical feedback) and the vulnerability to atrial fibrillation (AF) and to investigate the effects of autonomic blockade and verapamil on mechanoelectrical feedback in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Right atrial pressure and effective refractory period (ERP) at the right atrial appendage (RAA) and high right atrial septum were measured during sinus rhythm, and during atrial and simultaneous AV pacing at a cycle length of 300 msec, either in the absence (n = 25) or presence (n = 22) of pharmacologic autonomic blockade. In another 15 patients, the protocol was performed before and after infusion of verapamil 0.15 mg/kg. In the absence of autonomic blockade, AV pacing resulted in a higher mean right atrial pressure (11.7 +/- 3.3 vs 4.3 +/- 3.0 mmHg, P < 0.001) and a shorter atrial RAA ERP (144 +/- 23 msec vs 161 +/- 21 msec; P < 0.001) compared with atrial pacing; AF was induced more often during AV pacing (87%) than during atrial pacing (20%) and was related directly to the right atrial pressure (r = 0.39, P = 0.004) and indirectly to the RAA ERP (r = -0.42, P < 0.001). The susceptibility to sustained AF was greatly enhanced by autonomic blockade. Verapamil markedly attenuated the shortening of ERP and the propensity for AF that occurred during simultaneous AV pacing. CONCLUSION: An acute increase in atrial pressure during tachycardia is associated with shortening of atrial refractoriness and a propensity for AF, i.e., atrial mechanoelectrical feedback, which may be enhanced by autonomic blockade and attenuated by calcium channel blockade.     

持续快速心房起搏对犬肺静脉及心房组织连接蛋白43和Ⅲ型胶原的影响

目的　探讨持续快速心房起搏对犬肺静脉和心房组织连接蛋白 43(Cx43)和Ⅲ型胶原的影响。方法　16只杂种犬,随机分为持续快速心房起搏组(8只)和正常对照组 (8只 ),前者以 400次 /min的频率持续起搏 10周,建立心房颤动(房颤)动物模型。分别取两组犬的左上肺静脉、左房游离壁和右心耳等部位的心肌组织进行Cx43的免疫荧光半定量分析和Ⅲ型胶原纤维定量分析。结果10周后快速心房起搏组所有犬均可诱发出持续性房颤。快速心房起搏组犬肺静脉、左房游离壁和右心耳部位的Cx43水平显著高于正常对照组犬各相应的部位 (肺静脉: 3370 .91±275. 11与1405 .82±90. 38, P<0. 05;左房游离壁: 2448. 68±272 .10与 1467. 12±147 .93,P<0. 05;右心耳: 2331 .96±199 .61与 1288. 27±216 .22, P<0 .05)。快速心房起搏组犬肺静脉Cx43的水平显著高于左心房游离壁和右心耳(P<0. 05),而左心房和右心耳部位的Cx43水平差异无统计学意义 (P>0. 05)。持续快速心房起搏组犬肺静脉、左房游离壁和右心耳等部位的Ⅲ型胶原含量显著高于正常对照组犬各相应部位(肺静脉: 3301 97±309 70与 1404 56±178 02, P<0 05;左房游离壁: 2477 86±190. 43与1479. 20±187 .17, P<0 .05;右心耳: 2045 .92±139 .43与 1417. 07±139. 43,P<0 .05 )