Left bundle branch pacing set to outshine biventricular pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy?

The deleterious effects of long-term right ventricular pacing necessitated the search for alternative pacing sites which could prevent or alleviate pacinginduced cardiomyopathy.Until recently,biventricular pacing(BiVP)was the only modality which could mitigate or prevent pacing induced dysfunction.Further,BiVP could resynchronize the baseline electromechanical dssynchrony in heart failure and improve outcomes.However,the high non-response rate of around 20%-30%remains a major limitation.This non-response has been largely attributable to the direct non-physiological stimulation of the left ventricular myocardium bypassing the conduction system.To overcome this limitation,the concept of conduction system pacing(CSP)came up.Despite initial success of the first CSP via His bundle pacing(HBP),certain drawbacks including lead instability and dislodgements,steep learning curve and rapid battery depletion on many occasions prevented its widespread use for cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT).Subsequently,CSP via left bundle branch-area pacing(LBBP)was developed in 2018,which over the last few years has shown efficacy comparable to BiVP-CRT in small observational studies.Further,its safety has also been well established and is largely free of the pitfalls of the HBP-CRT.In the recent metanalysis by Yasmin et al,comprising of 6 studies with 389 participants,LBBPCRT was superior to BiVP-CRT in terms of QRS duration,left ventricular ejection fraction,cardiac chamber dimensions,lead thresholds,and functional status amongst heart failure patients with left bundle branch block.However,there are important limitations of the study including the small overall numbers,inclusion of only a single small randomized controlled trial(RCT)and a small follow-up duration.Further,the entire study population analyzed was from China which makes generalizability a concern.Despite the concerns,the meta-analysis adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of LBBP-CRT.At this stage,one must acknowledge that the fact that still our opinions on this technique are largely based on observational data and there is a dire need for larger RCTs to ascertain the position of LBBPCRT in management of heart failure patients with left bundle branch block.

Left bundle branch pacing vs biventricular pacing in heart failure patients with left bundle branch block:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Left bundle branch pacing(LBBP)is a novel pacing modality of cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)that achieves more physiologic native ventricular activation than biventricular pacing(BiVP).AIM To explore the validity of electromechanical resynchronization,clinical and echocardiographic response of LBBP-CRT.METHODS Systematic review and Meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the standard guidelines as mentioned in detail in the methodology section.RESULTS In our analysis,the success rate of LBBP-CRT was determined to be 91.1%.LBBP CRT significantly shortened QRS duration,with significant improvement in echocardiographic parameters,including left ventricular ejection fraction,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter in comparison with BiVP-CRT.CONCLUSION A significant reduction in New York Heart Association class and B-type natriuretic peptide levels was also observed in the LBBP-CRT group vs BiVP-CRT group.Lastly,the LBBP-CRT cohort had a reduced pacing threshold at follow-up as compared to BiVP-CRT.

Dual-chamber pacing confers better myocardial performance and improves clinical outcomes compared to single-chamber pacing

The deleterious effects of long term right ventricular pacing are increasingly being recognized today.Current clinical practice favors the implantation of dual-chamber permanent pacemaker which maintains atrioventricular synchrony and is associated with better quality of life.However,despite the popular belief and common sense surrounding the superiority of dual-chamber pacing over single chamber pacing,the same has never been conclusively verified in clinical trials.Some observational evidence however,does exists which supports the improved cardiac hemodynamics,lower the rate of atrial fibrillation,heart failure and stroke in dual-chamber pacing compared to single-chamber pacing.In the index study by Haque et al,right ventricular pacing,particularly in ventricular paced,ven-tricular sensed,inhibited response and rate responsive pacemaker adversely im-pacted the left ventricular functions over 9-months compared to dual pacing,dual sensing,dual responsive and rate responsive pacemaker.Although there are key limitations of this study,these findings does support a growing body of evidence reinstating the superiority of dual chamber pacing compared to single chamber pacing.

Left bundle branch area pacing:A new era of cardiac resynchronization therapy?

The recent systematic review and meta-analysis provided a comprehensive focus on the current state of cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT).The authors determined the feasibility of physiological left bundle branch area pacing(LBBAP)in patients indicated for CRT through a careful analysis of trials.They found that LBBAP was associated with significant reductions in QRS duration,New York Heart Association functional class,B-type natriuretic peptide levels,and pacing thresholds as well as improvements in echocardiographic parameters compared to biventricular pacing.

Selective his bundle pacing eliminates crochetage sign:A case report

BACKGROUND Crochetage sign is a specific electrocardiographic manifestation of ostium secundum atrial septal defects(ASDs),which is associated with the severity of the left-to-right shunt.Herein,we reported a case of selective his bundle pacing(SHBP)that eliminated crochetage sign in a patient with ostium secundum ASD.CASE SUMMARY A 77-year-old man was admitted with a 2-year history of chest tightness and shortness of breath.Transthoracic echocardiography revealed an ostium secundum ASD.Twelve-lead electrocardiogram revealed atrial fibrillation with a prolonged relative risk interval,incomplete right bundle branch block,and crochetage sign.The patient was diagnosed with an ostium secundum ASD,atrial fibrillation with a second-degree atrioventricular block,and heart failure.The patient was treated with selective his bundle pacemaker implantation.After the procedure,crochetage sign disappeared during his bundle pacing on the electrocardiogram.CONCLUSION S-HBP eliminated crochetage sign on electrocardiogram.Crochetage sign may be a manifestation of a conduction system disorder.

Left bundle branch area pacing combined with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator treatment for heart failure after myocardial infarction

Left bundle branch area pacing(LBBAP)has emerged as a new physiological pacing mode.Previous studies have confirmed the feasibility and efficacy of LBBAP for cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)in heart failure(HF)patients with left bundle branch block(LBBB)and a narrower QRS duration(QRSd)to have a higher percentage of super responders,and lower pacing thresholds than biventricular pacing(BiVP).

Management of a patient with an unusual trajectory of a temporary trans-venous pacing lead

Perforation of the right ventricle during placement of pacing wires is a welldocumented complication and can be potentially fatal.Use of temporary pacemaker,helical screw leads and steroids use prior to implant are recognised as risk factors for development of post-permanent pacemaker effusion.We reported an unusual case of pacing wire perforating interventricular septum into the left ventricle that occurred during the implant procedure performed in another institution.After the preoperative work-up and transfer to our tertiary cardiothoracic centre,the patient underwent successful surgical management.In conclusion,early recognition and timely diagnosis using advanced multimodality imaging can guide surgical intervention and prevent unfavourable consequences of device-related complications.

Analysis of the Effect of Extracorporeal Diaphragmatic Pacing Combined with Noninvasive Ventilator on the Respiratory Function and Prognosis of COPD Patients

Objective: To investigate the effect of extracorporeal diaphragmatic pacing combined with noninvasive ventilators on the respiratory function and prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Methods: A total of 50 COPD patients were selected between January 2023 to December 2023 and randomly grouped into an observation group and a control group, with 25 cases. The observation group was given extracorporeal diaphragm pacing combined with a noninvasive ventilator, while the control group was given a conventional treatment mode. After the treatment, the results of each index in the two groups were compared. Results: Compared with the diaphragm function indexes of the two groups, the data of the observation group were more dominant (P < 0.05). The rehospitalization rate of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The COPD assessment test (CAT) and mMRC (Modified Medical Research Council) Dyspnoea scale scores after treatment between the two groups were significantly different (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the lung function indexes of the observation group were more dominant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Extracorporeal diaphragmatic pacing combined with a noninvasive ventilator promoted the improvement of the patient’s prognosis and improved their respiratory function.

The Impact of Cardiac Pacing Site on Patient's Cardiac Function and Psychological State

With the widespread application of artificial permanent pacemakers in clinical practice,there have been new changes in the indications for pacemaker implantation.The current clinical indications include high atrioventricular block,sick sinus syndrome,cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure,and implantation of cardioverter defibrillators for ventricular arrhythmias.The implantation of a pacemaker can improve the quality of life and prognosis of patients with arrhythmia.In the past,permanent pacemaker implantation was performed in clinical practice,and the right ventricular pacing electrode was often fixed at the apex of the right ventricle,which belongs to non physiological pacing.Through long-term clinical follow-up,it was found that apex pacing can easily cause abnormal depolarization of the left ventricle,asynchronous contraction of the myocardium,and ultimately lead to myocardial fibrosis,which has adverse effects on the patient's cardiac function and psychological state.In recent years,Scholars have found that pacing in the right ventricular outflow tract septum is closer to the atrioventricular node and closer to the His bundle Purkinje fibers.The pacing impulse almost simultaneously expands towards both ventricles,closer to the physiological pacing state,thereby reducing the occurrence of cardiovascular events in patients.This article explores the impact of pacing in different parts of the heart on the cardiac function and psychological state of patients based on clinical data from the past three years.

Inadvertent Lead Malposition in the Left Ventricle during Permanent Ventricular Pacing about One Case

Inadvertent Lead Malposition in Left Ventricle is a rare and underdiagnosed incident, which may occur during implantation of cardiac electronic devices and may remain asymptomatic. We reported the case of a 71-year-old man who was implanted with a ventricular single-chamber pacemaker for a slow atrial fibrillation with syncope and whose routine transthoracic echocardiography 23 months after implantation displayed a malposition of the pacemaker lead into the Left Ventricle through a patent foramen oval. The patient was asymptomatic. The electrocardiogram showed right bundle branch block QRS-paced morphology with a positive QRS pattern in V1, a median paced QRS axis on the frontal plane at -120°, a Precordial transition on V5. At the lateral Chest X-ray the lead curved backwards to the spine. Given the age of this old patient who already received oral anticoagulant for Atrial Fibrillation and the Lead malposition discovered 23 months after pacemaker’s implantation, we decided to maintain the lead in LV and continue anticoagulation.

Left bundle branch pacing in a ventricular pacing dependent patient with heart failure:A case report

BACKGROUND Left bundle branch pacing(LBBP)is a physiological pacing method that has emerged in recent years.It is an ideal choice for patients with complete left bundle branch block who are in need of cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT).Moreover,LBBP is superior in maintaining physiological ventricular activation and can effectively improve heart function and quality of life in patients with pacemaker-induced cardiomyopathy.However,LBBP in pacing-dependent patients who already have cardiac dysfunction has not been well assessed.CASE SUMMARY A 69-year-old male patient presented with symptoms of chest tightness,palpitation and systolic heart failure with New York Heart Association class III for 1 mo.The 12-lead electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation with third-degree atrioventricular block and ventricular premature beat.Holter revealed a right bundle branch block,atrial fibrillation with third-degree atrioventricular block,frequent multifocal ventricular premature beats,Ron-T and ventricular tachycardia.The echocardiogram documented an enlarged left atrium and left ventricle and a low left ventricular ejection fraction.Coronary angiography indicated a stenosis of 30%in the middle left anterior descending artery.Apparently,a CRT-D pacemaker was the best choice for this patient according to previous findings.However,the patient was worried about the financial burden.A single-chamber pacemaker with LBBP was selected,with the plan to take amiodarone and upgrade with dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or CRT-D at an appropriate time.During the follow-up at 3 mo after LBBP,the patient showed an improvement in cardiac function with slight improvement in echocardiography parameters,and the New York Heart Association functional class was maintained at I.Moreover,the patient no longer suffered from chest tightness and palpitation.Holter showed decreased ventricular arrhythmia of less than 5%.CONCLUSION LBBP might be used in patients with heart failure and a high-degree atrioventricular block as an alternative to conventional CRT.

Pacing and predictors of performance during cross-country skiing races:A systematic review

Background： Cross-country skiing （XCS） racing, a popular international winter sport, is complex and challenging from physical, technical, and tactical perspectives. Despite the vast amount of research focusing on this sport, no review has yet addressed the pacing strategies of elite XCS racers or the factors that influence their performance. The aim was to review the scientific literature in an attempt to determine the effects of pacing strategy on the performance of elite XCS racers. Methods： Four electronic databases were searched using relevant subject headings and keywords. Only original research articles published in peerreviewed journals and the English language and addressing performance, biomechanics, physiology, and anthropometry of XCS racers were reviewed. Results： All 27 included articles applied correlative designs to study the effectiveness of different pacing strategies. None of the articles involved the use of an experimental design. Furthermore, potential changes in external conditions （e.g.,weather, ski properties） were not taken into consideration. A comparable number of studies focused on the skating or classical technique. In most cases, positive pacing was observed, with certain indications that higher-level athletes and those with more endurance and strength utilized a more even pacing strategy. The ability to achieve and maintain a long cycle length on all types of terrain was an important determinant of performance in all of the included studies, which was not the case for cycle rate. In general, uphill performance was closely related to overall race performance, with uphill performance being most closely correlated to the success of female skiers and performance on flat terrain being more important for male skiers. Moreover, pacing was coupled to the selection and distribution of technique during a race, with faster skiers employing more double poling and kick double poling, less diagonal stride, and more V2 （double dance） than V1 （single dance） skating across a race. Conclusion： We propose that skiers at all levels can improve their performance with more specific training in techniques （i.e., maintaining long cycles without compromising cycle rate and selecting appropriate techniques） in combination with training for endurance and more strength. Furthermore, we would advise less experienced skiers and/or those with lower levels of performance to apply a more even pacing strategy rather than a positive one （i.e., starting the race too fast）.2018 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Shanghai University of Sport. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license. （http：//creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/）.

Right ventricular septal pacing: Safety and efficacy in a long term follow up

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the permanent high interventricular septal pacing in a long term follow up, as alternative to right ventricular apical pacing. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated:(1) 244 patients(74 ± 8 years; 169 men, 75 women) implanted with a single(132 pts) or dual chamber(112 pts) pacemaker(PM) with ventricular screw-in lead placed at the right ventricular high septal parahisian site(SEPTAL pacing);(2) 22 patients with permanent pacemaker and low percentage of pacing(< 20%)(NO pacing);(3) 33 patients with high percentage(> 80%) right ventricular apical pacing(RVA). All patients had a narrow spontaneous QRS(101 ± 14 ms). We evaluated New York Heart Association(NYHA) class, quality of life(Qo L), 6 min walking test(6MWT) and left ventricular function(end-diastolic volume, LV-EDV; end-systolic volume, LVESV; ejection fraction, LV-EF) with 2D-echocardiography. RESULTS: Pacing parameters were stable duringfollow up(21 mo/patient). In SEPTAL pacing group we observed an improvement in NYHA class, Qo L score and 6MWT. While LV-EDV didn't significantly increase(104 ± 40 m L vs 100 ± 37 m L; P = 0.35), LV-ESV slightly increased(55 ± 31 m L vs 49 ± 27 m L; P = 0.05) and LV-EF slightly decreased(49% ± 11% vs 53% ± 11%; P = 0.001) but never falling < 45%. In the RVA pacing control group we observed a worsening of NYHA class and an important reduction of LV-EF(from 56% ± 6% to 43% ± 9%, P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: Right ventricular permanent high septal pacing is safe and effective in a long term follow up evaluation; it could be a good alternative to the conventional RVA pacing in order to avoid its deleterious effects.

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.

The importance of avoiding unnecessary right ventricular pacing in clinical practice

Symptomatic bradycardia is effectively treated with the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker. Although a highly successful therapy, during recent years there has been a focus on the negative effects associated with longterm pacing of the apex of the right ventricle(RV). It has been shown in both experimental and clinical studies that RV pacing leads to ventricular dyssynchrony, similar to that of left bundle branch block, with subsequent detrimental effects on cardiac structure and function, and in some cases adverse clinical outcomes such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure and death. There is substantial evidence that patients with reduced left ventricular function(LVEF) are at particular high risk of suffering the detrimental clinical effects of long-term RV pacing. The evidence is, however, incomplete, coming largely from subanalyses of pacemaker and implantable cardiac defibrillator studies. In this group of patients with reduced LVEF and an expected high amount of RV pacing, biventricular pacing(cardiac resynchronization therapy) devices can prevent the negative effects of RV pacing and reduce ventricular dyssynchrony. Therefore, cardiac resynchronization therapy has emerged as an attractive option with promising results and more clinical studies are underway. Furthermore, specific pacemaker algorithms, which minimize RV pacing, can also reduce the negative effects of RV stimulation on cardiac function and may prevent clinical deterioration.

Predictors of super-response to cardiac resynchronization therapy： the significance of heart failure medication, pre-implant left ventricular geometry and high percentage of biventricular pacing

Background Super-responders （SRs） are defined as patients who show crucial cardiac function improvement after cardiac resynchro- nization therapy （CRT）. The purpose of this study is to identify and validate predictors of SRs after CRT. Methods This study enrolled 201 patients who underwent CRT during the period from 2010 to 2014. Clinical and echocardiographic evaluations were conducted before CRT and 6 months after. Patients with a decrease in New York Heart Association （NYHA） fimctional class 〉 1, a decrease in left ventricular end-systolic volume （LVESV） ≥ 15%, and a final left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） ≥ 45% were classified as SRs. Results 29% of the 201 patients who underwent CRT were identified as SRs. At baseline, SRs had significantly smaller left atrial diameter （LAD）, LVESV, left ventricular end-diastolic volume （LVEDV） and higher LVEF than the non-super-responders （non-SRs）. The percentage of patients using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers （ACEI/ARB） was higher in SRs than non-SRs. Most SRs had Biventricular （BiV） pacing percentage greater than 98% six months after CRT. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the independ- ent predictors of SRs were lower LVEDV [odd ratios （OR）： 0.93; confidence intervals （CI）： 0.90-0.97], use of ACEI/ARB （OR： 0.33; CI： 0.13~3.82） and BiV pacing percentage greater than 98% （OR： 0.29; CI： 0.16~.87）. Conclusion Patients with a better compliance of ACEI/ARB and a less ectatic ventricular geometry before CRT tends to have a greater probability of becoming SRs. Higher percentage of BiV pacing is essential for becoming SRs.

Left univentricular pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy using rate-adaptive atrioventricular delay

Objective To evaluate left univentricular （LUV） pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy （CRT） using a rate-adaptive atrioven- tricular delay （RAAVD） algorithm to track physiological atrioventricular delay （AVD）. Methods A total of 72 patients with congestive heart failure （CHF） were randomized to RAAVD LUV pacing versus standard biventricular （BiV） pacing in a 1 ： 1 ratio. Echocardiography was used to optimize AVD for both groups. The effects of sequential BiV pacing and LUV pacing with optimized A-V （right atrio-LV） delay using an RAAVD algorithm were compared. The standard deviation （SD） of the S/R ratio in lead VI at five heart rate （HR） segments （Rs/R-SD5）, defined as the ＂tracking index,＂ was used to evaluate the accuracy of the RAAVD algorithm for tracking physiological AVD. Results TheQRS complex duration （132 ± 9.8 vs. 138± 10ms, P 〈 0.05）, the time required for optimization （21 ±5 vs. 50±8min, P〈 0.001）, the mitral regurgitant area （1.9 ± 1.1 vs. 2.5 ± 1.3 em2, P 〈 0.05）, the interventricular mechanical delay time （60.7 ± 13.3 ms vs. 68.3 ± 14.2 ms, P 〈 0.05）, and the average annual cost （13,200 ± 1000 vs. 21,600 ± 2000 RMB, P 〈 0.001） in the RAAVD LUV pacing group were significantly less than those in the standard BiV pacing group. The aortic valve velocity-time integral in the RAAVD LUV pacing group was greater than that in the standard BiV pacing group （22.7 ± 2.2 vs. 21.4 ± 2.1 cm, P 〈 0.05）. The Rs/R-SD5 was 4.08 ± 1.91 in the RAAVD LUV pacing group, and was significantly negatively correlated with improved left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） （ALVEF, Pearson＇s r = -0.427, P = 0.009）, and positively correlated with New York Heart Association class （Spearman＇s r - 0.348, P 0.037）. Conclusions RAAVD LUV pacing is as effective as standard BiV pacing, can be more physiological than standard BiV pacing, and can de- crease the average annual cost of CRT.

Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Septal Pacing versus Apical Pacing: A Prospective, Randomized, Single-blind 5-Years Follow-up Study of Ventricular Lead Performance and Safety

Summary： Lead placement for ventricular pacing variably impacts the physiological benefit of the pa- tient. This study evaluated the ventricular lead performance and safety of right ventricular outflow tract septal pacing in patients with bradyarrhythmia in South China over 60-month follow-up. Totally, 192 patients （108 males, and 84 females, 63-4-21 years old） with bradyarrhythmia were randomly divided into two groups. The right ventricular outflow tract septum （RVOTs） group had lead placement near the sep- tum （n=97）, while the right ventricular apex （RVA） group had a traditional apical placement （n=95）. RV septal lead positioning was achieved with a specialized stylet and confirmed using fluoroscopic projec- tion. All patients were followed up for 60 months. Follow-up assessment included stimulation threshold, R-wave sensing, lead impedance and lead complications. The time of electrode implantation in both the ROVTs and RVA groups were significantly different （4.29±0.61 vs. 2.16±0.22 min; P=0.009）. No dif- ferences were identified in threshold, impedance or R-wave sensing between the two groups at 1 st, 12th, 36th and 60th month during the follow-up period. No occurrence of electrode displacement, increased pacing threshold or inadequate sensing was found. The long-term active fixation ventricular electrode performance in RVOTs group was similar to that in RVA group. RVOTs pacing near the septum using active fixation electrodes may provide stability during long-term follow-up period.

Effects of febuxostat on atrial remodeling in a rabbit model of atrial fibrillation induced by rapid atrial pacing

Background Febuxostat,a novel nonpurine selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase(XO),may be used in the prevention and management of atrial fibrillation(AF).The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of febuxostat on atrial remodeling in a rabbit model of AF induced by rapid atrial pacing(RAP)and the mechanisms by which it acts.Methods Twenty-four rabbits were randomly divided into four groups:sham-operated group(Group S),RAP group(Group P),RAP with 5 mg/kg per day febuxostat group(Group LFP),and RAP with 10 mg/kg per day febuxostat group(Group HFP).All rabbits except those in Group S were subjected to RAP at 600 beats/min for four weeks.The effects of febuxostat on atrial electrical and structural remodeling,markers of inflammation and oxidative stress,and signaling pathways involved in the left atrium were examined.Results Shortened atrial effective refractory period(AERP),increased AF inducibility,decreased mRNA levels of Cav1.2 and Kv4.3,and left atrial enlargement and dysfunction were observed in Group P,and these changes were suppressed in the groups treated with febuxostat.Prominent atrial fibrosis was observed in Group P,as were increased levels of TGF-β1,Collagen I,andα-SMA and decreased levels of Smad7 and eNOS.Treatment with febuxostat attenuated these differences.Changes in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers induced by RAP were consistent with the protective effects of febuxostat.Conclusions This study is the first to find that febuxostat can inhibit atrial electrical and structural remodeling of AF by suppressing XO and inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.

In vivo mechanical study of helical cardiac pacing electrode interacting with canine myocardium

Cardiac pacing is a medical device to help human to overcome arrhythmia and to recover the regular beats of heart. A helical configuration of electrode tip is a new type of cardiac pacing lead distal tip. The helical electrode attaches itself to the desired site of heart by screwing its helical tip into the myocardium. In vivo experiments on anesthetized dogs were carried out to measure the acute interactions between helical electrode and myocardium during screw-in and pull-out processes. These data would be helpful for electrode tip design and electrode/myocardium adherence safety evaluation. They also provide reliability data for clinical site choice of human heart to implant and to fix the pacing lead. A special design of the helical tip using strain gauges is instrumented for the measurement of the screw-in and pull-out forces. We obtained the data of screw-in torques and pull-out forces for five different types of helical electrodes at nine designed sites on ten canine hearts. The results indicate that the screw-in torques increased steplike while the torque-time curves presente saw-tooth fashion. The maximum torque has a range of 0.3-1.9 Nmm. Obvious differences are observed for different types of helical tips and for different test sites. Large pull-out forces are frequently obtained at epicardium of left ventricle and right ventricle lateral wall, and the forces obtained at right ventricle apex and outflow tract of right ventricle are normally small. The differences in pull-out forces are dictated by the geometrical configuration of helix and regional structures of heart muscle.