Evaluation of Global and Regional Left Ventricular Function Using Two-Dimensional and M-Mode Echocardiography in Patients With an Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

The effects of glued epicardial patch electrodes of the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator on the left ventricular function was studied by two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography in 15 patients. Pre- and postoperative end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular cross-sectional areas were evaluated using planimetry. Regional left ventricular wall motion at the level of the left ventricular patch electrode was analyzed by two end-diastolic and end-systolic perpendicular axes. Left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters as well as E-point-septal-separation and fractional shortening were analyzed using M-mode echocardiography. The mean time interval between preoperative echocardiograms and implantation of the automatic defibrillator was 0.3 X 1.3 (less than 1-2) months. Postoperative echocardiograms were recorded 6.6 +/- 6.9 (0.5-24) months after implantation of the device. There were no significant differences between pre- and postoperative mean values of end-diastolic and end-systolic areas and axes as well as M-mode echocardiographic parameters. Our data show that left ventricular patch electrodes do not significantly alter global or regional left ventricular function in patients after implantation of the automatic defibrillator.