CRT Implantation (crt + implantation)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels and Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Heart Failure Patients

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 5 2006
Reynolds M. Delgado MD
The authors used brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) as a reliable marker to identify nonresponders to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with advanced heart failure. The study included 70 patients with left ventricular dysfunction (mean ejection fraction, 21±4%) and left bundle branch block (QRS duration, 164±25 milliseconds) treated with CRT. The authors reviewed data on New York Heart Association functional class, baseline ejection fraction, sodium, creatinine, QRS duration, and BNP levels 3 months before and after CRT therapy. The authors compared results of 42 patients who survived (973+192 days) after CRT implantation (responders) to those of 28 patients (nonresponders) who either expired (n=21) or underwent heart transplantation (n=5) or left ventricular assist device implantation (n=2) after an average of 371+220 days. Mean BNP levels after 3 months of CRT decreased in responders from 758±611 pg/mLto 479±451 pg/mL (P=.044), while in nonresponders there was increase in BNP levels from 1191 ±466 pg/mL to 1611 ±1583; P=.046. A rise in BNP levels was associated with poor response (death or need for transplantation or left ventricular assist device and impaired long-term outcome), which makes it a good predictor to identify such patients. [source]


Contractile Reserve Assessed Using Dobutamine Echocardiography Predicts Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling after Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Prospective Validation in Patients with Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 6 2010
F.R.C.P.C., Mario Sénéchal M.D.
Background: The presence of viable myocardium may predict response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The aim of this study is to evaluate in patients with left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony whether response to CRT is related to myocardial viability in the region of the pacing lead. Methods: Forty-nine consecutive patients with advanced heart failure, LV ejection fraction < 35%, QRS duration > 120 ms and intraventricular asynchronism , 50 ms were included. Dobutamine stress echocardiography was performed within the week before CRT implantation. Resting echocardiography was performed 6 months after CRT implantation. Viability in the region of LV pacing lead was defined as the presence of viability in two contiguous segments. Response to CRT was defined by evidence of reverse LV remodeling (,15% reduction in LV end-systolic volume). Results: Thirty-one patients (63%) were identified as responders at follow-up. The average of viable segments was 5.9 ± 2 in responders and 3.2 ± 3 in nonresponders (P = 0.0003). Viability in the region of the pacing lead had a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 67%, a positive predictive value of 83%, and a negative predictive value of 86% for the prediction of response to CRT. Conclusions: In patients with LV dyssynchrony, reverse remodeling after CRT requires viability in the region of the pacing lead. This simple method using echocardiography dobutamine for the evaluation of local viability (i.e., viability in two contiguous segments) may be useful to the clinician in choosing the best LV lead positioning. (Echocardiography 2010;27:668-676) [source]


Usefulness and Limitation of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography to Predict Acute Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2010
F.R.C.P.C., Mario Sénéchal M.D.
Background: It has been hypothesized that a long-term response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) could correlate with myocardial viability in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Contractile reserve and viability in the region of the pacing lead have not been investigated in regard to acute response after CRT. Methods: Fifty-one consecutive patients with advanced heart failure, LV ejection fraction , 35%, QRS duration > 120 ms, and intraventricular asynchronism , 50 ms were prospectively included. The week before CRT implantation, the presence of viability was evaluated using dobutamine stress echocardiography. Acute responders were defined as a ,15% increase in LV stroke volume. Results: The average of viable segments was 5.8 ± 1.9 in responders and 3.9 ± 3 in nonresponders (P = 0.03). Viability in the region of the pacing lead had an excellent sensitivity (96%), but a low specificity (56%) to predict acute response to CRT. Mitral regurgitation (MR) was reduced in 21 patients (84%) with acute response. The presence of MR was a poor predictor of response (sensibility 93% and specificity 17%). However, combining the presence of MR and viability in the region of the pacing lead yields a sensibility (89%) and a specificity (70%) to predict acute response to CRT. Conclusion: Myocardial viability is an important factor influencing acute hemodynamic response to CRT. In acute responders, significant MR reduction is frequent. The combined presence of MR and viability in the region of the pacing lead predicts acute response to CRT with the best accuracy. (Echocardiography 2010;27:50-57) [source]


Initial Clinical Experience with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Utilizing a Magnetic Navigation System

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007
PETER GALLAGHER M.D.
Introduction: The placement of left ventricular (LV) leads during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) involves many technical difficulties. These difficulties increase procedural times and decrease procedural success rates. Methods and Results: A total of 50 patients with severe cardiomyopathy (mean LV ejection fraction was 21 ± 6%) and a wide QRS underwent CRT implantation. Magnetic navigation (Stereotaxis, Inc.) was used to position a magnet-tipped 0.014, guidewire (CronusÔ guidewire) within the coronary sinus (CS) vasculature. LV leads were placed in a lateral CS branch, either using a standard CS delivery sheath or using a "bare-wire" approach without a CS delivery sheath. The mean total procedure time was 98.1 ± 29.1 minutes with a mean fluoroscopy time of 22.7 ± 15.1 minutes. The mean LV lead positioning time was 10.4 ± 7.6 minutes. The use of a delivery sheath was associated with longer procedure times 98 ± 32 minutes vs 80 ± 18 minutes (P = 0.029), fluoroscopy times 23 ± 15 minutes vs 13 ± 4 minutes (P = 0.0007) and LV lead positioning times 10 ± 6 minutes vs 4 ± 2 minutes (P = 0.015) when compared to a "bare-wire" approach. When compared with 52 nonmagnetic-assisted control CRT cases, magnetic navigation reduced total LV lead positioning times (10.4 ± 7.6 minutes vs 18.6 ± 18.9 minutes; P = 0.005). If more than one CS branch vessel was tested, magnetic navigation was associated with significantly shorter times for LV lead placement (16.2 ± 7.7 minutes vs 36.4 ± 23.4 minutes; P = 0.004). Conclusions: Magnetic navigation is a safe, feasible, and efficient tool for lateral LV lead placement during CRT. Magnetic navigation during CRT allows for control of the tip direction of the CronusÔ 0.014, guidewire using either a standard CS delivery sheath or "bare-wire" approach. Although there are some important limitations to the 0.014, CronusÔ magnetic navigation can decrease LV lead placement times compared with nonmagnetic-assisted control CRT cases, particularly if multiple CS branches are to be tested. [source]


Atrial Fibrillation Burden During the Post-Implant Period After CRT Using Device-Based Diagnostics

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2006
BURKHARD HÜGL M.D.
Aims: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is increasingly used in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients (with cardiac dyssynchrony). In addition to delivering therapy, CRT devices offer a variety of diagnostic tools for continuous long-term monitoring of clinically relevant information (i.e., occurrence and duration of arrhythmia episodes). Methods and Results: Eighty-four patients with drug-refractory CHF in NYHA-class II,IV received a CRT device. The response to CRT was assessed by determining NYHA class at baseline and at 3 months follow-up. Atrial fibrillation (AF) burden (defined as time of AF per day) was continuously measured by the device. A significant gradual reduction of AF burden (from 9.88 ± 12.61 to 4.20 ± 9.24 [hours/day]) and number of patients experiencing AF episodes (from 26 to 13) were observed during CRT. Conclusions: (1) Diagnostic features for long-term monitoring of physiological variables provide useful information on the state and course of AF and may improve disease management. (2) AF burden reduces over time during the first 3 months after CRT implantation. [source]


Long-Term Effects of Upgrading to Biventricular Pacing: Differences with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy as Primary Indication

PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 7 2010
GAETANO PAPARELLA M.D.
Background: Few studies have assessed the long-term effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with advanced heart failure (HF) and previously right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP). Aims: To assess the clinical and hemodynamic impact of upgrading to biventricular pacing in patients with severe HF and permanent RVAP in comparison with patients who had CRT implantation as initial therapy. Methods and Results: Thirty-nine patients with RVAP, advanced HF (New York Heart Association [NYHA] III,IV), and severe depression of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were upgraded to biventricular pacing (group A). Mean duration of RVAP before upgrading was 41.8 ± 13.3 months. Clinical and echocardiographic results were compared to those obtained in a group of 43 patients with left bundle branch block and similar clinical characteristics undergoing "primary" CRT (group B). Mean follow-up was 35 ± 10 months in patients of group A and 38 ± 12 months in group B. NYHA class significantly improved in groups A and B. LVEF increased from 0.23 ± 0.07 to 0.36 ± 0.09 (P < 0.001) and from 0.26 ± 0.02 to 0.34 ± 0.10 (P < 0.001), respectively. Hospitalizations were reduced by 81% and 77% (P < 0.001). Similar improvements in echocardiographic signs of ventricular desynchronization were also observed. Conclusion: Patients upgraded to CRT exhibit long-term clinical and hemodynamic benefits that are similar to those observed in patients treated with CRT as initial strategy. (PACE 2010; 841,849) [source]


Use of Triple-Site Ventricular Pacing in a Patient with Severe Congestive Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation

PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
FAIZEL OSMAN M.D.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become an accepted treatment for selected patients with drug-resistant heart failure. Data for patients in atrial fibrillation (AF) remains limited but suggests benefit in these patients too. We report the case of an 82-year-old patient with heart failure, VVIR permanent pacemaker, and permanent AF who had an upgrade to triple-site CRT implantation with good clinical response. Triple-site ventricular pacing may enhance the chance of response and LV reverse remodeling and should be considered in AF patients undergoing CRT implantation. [source]


Effect of Transvenous Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Device Implantation on Cardiac Troponin I Release

PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 11 2007
TIMUCIN ALTIN M.D.
Background: Pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation increases cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels which indicates myocardial injury. During implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device, balloon inflation for coronary sinus (CS) venogram, cannulation of CS side branch, and electrode advancement may interfere with CS drainage and, hence, may decrease the washout of toxic metabolites from the heart. Thus, CRT implantation may further increase cTnI levels. In this study, we investigated the effects of CRT implantation on cTnI release. Methods: We included 10 patients (mean age = 57 ± 15 years) in whom a successful transvenous CRT system was implanted (CRT group). Twenty patients (mean age = 65 ± 10 years) who underwent a transvenous pacemaker or ICD implantation were included as the control group. Blood samples for cTnI were drawn at baseline and at six, 12, 18, and 24 hours thereafter. Results: Baseline median cTnI levels were similar in CRT and control groups (0.03 ng/mL vs 0.02 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.1). Postoperative cTnI levels during 24 hours were significantly higher in the CRT group (P < 0.05) by two-way repeated measures of analyis of variance. Post hoc analysis revealed that cTnI levels were higher at the 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th hours compared to baseline levels (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, and P < 0.01, respectively). There was a significant difference in the area under the curves (AUCs) of cTnI measurements (1.79 hr·ng/mL in the CRT group and 0.78 hr·ng/mL in the control group, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Postoperative cTnI levels were higher after CRT implantation than simple pacemaker/ICD implantation. This may be due to CS manipulation during CRT implantation. [source]


Improvement of Congestive Heart Failure by Upgrading of Conventional to Resynchronization Pacemakers

PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2006
IBRAHIM MARAI
Aims: To compare the clinical response of patients with right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP) upgraded to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) to that of previously nonpaced heart failure (HF) patients who had de novo CRT implantation. Background: The role of CRT in patients with wide QRS and HF due to RVAP is less well established than in other CRT candidates. Methods: Ninety-eight consecutive patients with CRT were studied (mean age 70, mean ejection fraction 0.23). Group A: patients having RVAP prior to CRT implantation (n = 25), group B: patients without prior RVAP (n = 73). Clinical and echocardiographic parameters were recorded prior to, and 3 months after, CRT implantation. Results: Group A patients had a wider QRS at baseline compared to group B (203 ± 32 ms vs 163 ± 30 ms respectively, P < 0.001), and a shorter 6-minute walking distance (222 ± 118 m vs 362 ± 119 m, respectively, P < 0.005). Otherwise, clinical and echocardiographic parameters were not different. At follow up, group A patients had an average 0.7 ± 0.5 decrease in their NYHA functional class, compared to 0.3 ± 0.7 in group B patients (P < 0.05). Six-minute walking distance increased by 93 ± 113 m in group A, versus 36 ± 120 m in group B (P = 0.22). There was no difference in echocardiographic response to CRT between the groups. Conclusions: HF patients with prior RVAP demonstrate clinical improvement after upgrading to CRT that is comparable, and in some aspects, even better than that observed in HF patients with native conduction delay who undergo de novo CRT implantation. [source]