Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) pacing through the coronary sinus is the standard approach for cardiac resynchronization therapy. When this route is unavailable, the alternatives have major limitations. LV endocardial pacing through the interventriuclar septum may offer a simpler solution. We describe an initial case series to demonstrate technical feasibility and to describe our refinement of the puncture technique. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ten patients with previous failed coronary sinus lead implant or with nonresponse to cardiac resynchronization therapy and a suboptimal LV lead position were selected. All patients were anticoagulated. Left ventriculography and coronary angiography were performed to identify LV borders and septal vessels. Subclavian vein access was used for a superior approach ventricular transseptal puncture under fluoroscopic guidance, using a steerable sheath and a standard transseptal needle, radiofrequency needle, or radiofrequency energy delivered through a guidewire. An active-fixation pacing lead was successfully delivered to the endocardial wall of the lateral LV in all patients (9 men; age, 62±10 years). LV lead implant procedure time shortened with experience. The use of radiofrequency energy delivered through a guidewire was the most effective technique. Mean threshold and R wave at implant were 0.8±0.3 V and 10.8±3.9 mV. At follow-up (mean, 8.7 months; minimum, 0; and maximum 19), thresholds were stable, and there were no thromboembolic events. Of 9 patients, 8 were classed as clinical responders (1 had inadequate follow-up to assess response). CONCLUSIONS: LV endocardial pacing through a ventricular septal puncture is a feasible approach for cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Original publication

DOI

10.1161/CIRCEP.113.001110

Type

Journal article

Journal

Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol

Publication Date

02/2014

Volume

7

Pages

17 - 22

Keywords

cardiac resynchronization therapy, endocardium, heart ventricles, septal, Aged, Anticoagulants, Cardiac Catheterization, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy, Coronary Angiography, Electrocardiography, Feasibility Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Punctures, Radiography, Interventional, Radionuclide Ventriculography, Stroke Volume, Treatment Outcome, Ventricular Dysfunction, Left, Ventricular Function, Left, Ventricular Septum, Warfarin