DDD versus VVIR Pacing in Patients, Ages 70 and Over, with Complete Heart Block

Dual-chamber vs. single-chamber pacemaker in patients in sinus rhythm with an atrioventricular block: a nationwide cohort study

AIMS

In complete atrioventricular block (AVB) with underlying sinus rhythm, it is recommended to implant a dual-chamber pacemaker rather than a single-chamber pacemaker. However, no large-scale study has been able to demonstrate the superiority of this choice on hard clinical criteria such as morbimortality.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This retrospective observational study included all patients who received a primary pacemaker implantation in the indication of complete AVB with underlying sinus rhythm in France, based on the national administrative database between January 2013 and December 2022. After propensity score matching, we obtained two groups containing 19 219 patients each. The incidence of all-cause mortality was 9.22%/year for the dual-chamber pacemaker group, compared with 11.48%/year for the single-chamber pacemaker group (hazard ratio (HR) 0.807, P < 0.0001]. Similarly, there was a lower incidence of cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.766, P < 0.0001), heart failure (HR 0.908, P < 0.0001), atrial fibrillation (HR 0.778, P < 0.0001), and ischaemic stroke (HR 0.873, P = 0.008) in the dual-chamber pacemaker group than in the single-chamber pacemaker group. Regarding re-interventions and complications, there were fewer upgrades (addition of atrial lead or left ventricular lead) in the dual-chamber group (HR 0.210, P < 0.0001), but more haematomas (HR 1.179, P = 0.006) and lead repositioning (HR 1.123, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

In the indication of complete AVB with underlying sinus rhythm, our results are consistent with current recommendations to prefer implantation of a dual-chamber pacemaker rather than a single-chamber pacemaker for these patients. Implantation of a dual-chamber pacemaker is associated with a lower risk of mortality, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke during follow-up.

Dual-chamber versus single chamber pacemakers, a systemic review and meta-analysis on sick sinus syndrome and atrioventricular block patients

Aims

The atrioventricular block (AVB) is a conduction system problem that results from the impairment in the transmission of an impulse from the atria to the ventricle, the disease has many etiologies. This article aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dual and single-chamber pacemakers in patients with SSS and AVB.

Methods

An electronic search of PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, and Google Scholar was performed from 2000 till August 15th, 2022. Retrieved articles were exported to Endnote Reference Library Software, where duplicate studies were removed from the list, and only articles meeting the eligibility criteria of this study were selected. RevMan 5.4 and STATA 16 software were used for the analysis. The modified Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias and New-castle Ottawa scale were used for quality assessment of RCTs and observational studies respectively.

Results

This study is composed of 8953 patients with sick-sinus syndrome and atrioventricular block. A total of thirteen outcomes are included in this meta-analysis, out of which atrial fibrillation significantly favored dual chamber [OR = 1.29; 95 % CI = 1.05-1.59; P = 0.01 I2 = 29 %] and overall complications [OR = 0.48; 95 % CI = 0.29-0.77; p = 0.03 I2 = 0 %] and pneumothorax [OR = 0.31; 95 % CI = 0.10-0.93; p = 0.04, I2 = 0 %] were satisfied by single-chamber pacing.

Conclusion

This study concluded that neither single-chamber nor dual-chamber pacemakers are superior to each other, but they are unique in their own ways as the results of this study manifest remarkable reduction in atrial fibrillation rates and pneumothorax using dual-chamber and single-chamber pacemakers respectively.

Acute Onset of Heart Failure and Renal Failure Due to Pacemaker Syndrome

Here, we report the outcome of an 87-year-old man with permanent non-valvular atrial fibrillation who initially presented with complete heart block and received a single right ventricle lead pacemaker programmed to ventricular demand pacing (VVIR). Over the next 10 months, the patient was readmitted to the hospital four times with recurrent edema, pleural effusions, and ascites. He was diagnosed with new onset systolic heart failure with mid-range (40-49%) ejection fraction and cardiorenal syndrome requiring dialysis. The underlying cause of his presentation was determined to be pacemaker syndrome mediated by new onset severe tricuspid regurgitation. He was treated with reimplantation of a pacemaker with His bundle pacing with subsequent improvement in his cardiac status and renal function. Implantation of dual-chamber pacing (DDDR) or His bundle pacing to achieve a narrow QRS complex over ventricular demand pacemaker is recommended whenever possible to reduce the incidence of pacemaker syndrome and improve patient outcomes.

Short Term Outcomes with Dual Chamber versus Single Chamber Pacing for Atrioventricular Block - A Crossover Trial

A total of 42 patients were studied for primary outcomes of quality of life and 6MWD between VVIR and DDD modes. At end of 2 months after device implantation, randomization was done and the device was programmed to VVIR or DDD modes. At the end of 2 months in this mode QOL and functional was assessed and the patient was switched to other mode. The same protocol was followed at the end of 2 months. We found no difference in functional capacity and quality of life between the two pacing modes. None of the patients developed pacemaker syndrome and there was no preference for any of the modes.

A new leadless pacemaker with atrioventricular synchronous pacing replacing a still working VVI leadless pacemaker: a case report

Background

A new intracardiac leadless pacemaker (ILP) has been developed to ensure atrioventricular (AV) synchrony (AVS) during ventricular pacing (VP). Recent studies have shown the feasibility and safety of accelerometer-based atrial sensing and an improvement in AVS among patients with atrioventricular block implanted with the Micra AV ILP (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA). However, no data exists about the benefits of a VDD ILP in patients wearing a still working VVI Nanostim ILP (St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN, USA). We describe the feasibility of the procedure and the absence of device-related adverse events in the short-term follow-up.

Case summary

We present the case of a 72-year-old man implanted with a VVI ILP (Nanostim, St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN, USA) on May 2014, who has developed symptomatic high percentage of VVI asynchronous pacing and was treated with an upgrade to synchronous AV pacemaker (PM) ILP—Micra AV (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA), which has improved symptoms and functional class.

Discussion

Intracardiac leadless pacemakers represent the best current option for patients requiring PM implantation who are at high risk of infection and bleeding. Our case shows that the new AVS ILP is a good alternative to VVI ILP in patients with sinus rhythm and a strong need for VP.

Sex Differences and Long-Term Outcome in Patients With Pacemakers

Introduction: Evidence of sex-related differences in patients with pacemakers regarding comorbidities is insufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of cardiovascular comorbidities and sex category with properties of pacemaker implantation, pacemaker follow-up, and long-term survival. Methods: This retrospective, single-center cohort study consisted of 6,362 pacemaker-patients (39.7% female) enrolled between May 2000 and April 2015. Functional pacemaker parameters were registered at regular pacemaker controls. Survival status and cause of death were analyzed in relation to comorbidities, implanted pacing devices, and echocardiography. Survival analyses were plotted for a 10-year follow-up. Results: Patients with hypertension or hyperlipidemia had higher rates of implantations due to sick sinus syndrome (28.6 vs. 25.5% without hypertension, P < 0.001; 30.7 vs. 25.7% without hyperlipidemia, P < 0.001), while endocarditis was associated with higher rates of implantations due to AV block (46.7 vs. 33.4%, P < 0.001). Patients with valvular heart disease had higher rates of pacemaker implantation due to bradycardic atrial fibrillation (24.9 vs. 21.0% without valvular heart disease, P < 0.001). Ventricular pacing threshold increased in both sexes during the follow-up and was higher in women in the final follow-up (0.94 vs. 0.91 V in men, P = 0.002). During the 10-years follow-up, 6.1% of women and 8.6% of men underwent lead replacement (P = 0.054). Device and lead replacement rates were increased if the comorbidities coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, valvular heart disease, previous stroke/TIA, atrial arrhythmias, chronic kidney disease, or endocarditis were present. Diabetes and previous CABG increase the rates of device replacement, but not the rate of lead replacement. Severe tricuspid regurgitation after implantation of pacemaker was present in more men than women (14.4 vs. 6.1%, P < 0.001). In a multivariate COX regression, the following variables were associated with independent decrease of 10-year survival: hypertension (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.09-1.64), chronic kidney disease (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.53-2.19), tricuspid regurgitation after pacemaker implantation (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.26-1.74). Survival was independently increased in female sex (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70-0.99) and hyperlipidemia (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67-0.97). Conclusions: Cardiovascular comorbidities influenced significantly pacemaker implantations and long-term outcome. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Unique identifier: NCT03388281.

Impacto dos Modos de Estimulação DDD e VVIR na Capacidade Funcional e Qualidade de Vida de Pacientes Chagásicos

Introdução: A estimulação atrioventricular propicia benefícios hemodinâmicos em relação à ventricular isolada, mas essa vantagem não está completamente estabelecida em pacientes chagásicos com disfunção sistólica. Objetivo:Avaliar a infl uência dos modos de estimulação DDD e VVIR na capacidade funcional, qualidade de vida (QV) e alterações laboratoriais de peptídeo natriurético em pacientes chagásicos com disfunção ventricular submetidos a implante de marcapasso. Métodos: Estudaram-se prospectivamente 20 pacientes (55% do sexo masculino) com média de idade de 62,7(± 9,9 anos) e média da fração de ejeção de 41,8% (± 2,8). Alternadamente, os pacientes receberam a estimulação nos modos DDD e VVIR por um período de três meses sob cada programação. O mínimo percentual de estimulação ventricular admitido foi de 80%. Após cada período, o paciente foi submetido ao teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M), avaliação de QV pelo Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) e pelo Assesment of QUAlity of life and RELated events (AQUAREL). A avaliação laboratorial foi realizada com a dosagem da fração N-terminal do peptídeo natriurético cerebral (N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide – NT-proBNP). Resultados: A média da distância percorrida no TC6M nos modos DDD e VVIR foram respectivamente 390,60 (± 52,71) e 396,30 (± 52,71) metros (p = 0,160). Verifi caram-se resultados de QV inferiores, considerando o domínio físico do MLHFQ (p = 0,03) e os domínios dispneia de esforço(p = 0,05) e arritmia (p < 0,001) do AQUAREL, com o modo VVIR. Os níveis de NT-proBNP aumentaram signifi cativamente com a estimulação no modoVVIR (p < 0,001). Conclusão: Após três meses de estimulação com omodo VVIR, houve piora da QV dos pacientes chagásicos e aumento dos níveis de NT-proBNP (registro de ensaio clínico: ReBEc RBR-53x476)

Impact of DDD and VVIR Stimulation Modes on Functional Capacity and Quality of Life of Chagasic Patients

Introduction: Atrioventricular stimulation provides hemodynamic benefits over the isolated ventricular rate, but this advantage is not completely established in chagasic patients with systolic dysfunction. Objectives: To evaluate the influence of DDD and VVIR stimulation modes on functional capacity, quality of life (QoL) and laboratory abnormalities of a natriuretic peptide in chagasic patients with ventricular dysfunction submitted to pacemaker implantation. Methods: Twenty patients (55% male) with a mean age of 62.7 (± 9.9 years) and a mean ejection fraction of 41.8% (± 2.8) were prospectively studied. Alternately, patients received pacing in the DDD and VVIR modes for a period of three months under each schedule. The minimum percentage of ventricular pacing was 80%. After each period, the patient was submitted to the six-minute walk test (6MWT), QOL assessment by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and the Assay of QUAlity of life and RELated events (AQUAREL). Laboratory evaluation was performed with the N-terminal fraction of the brain natriuretic peptide (N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide - NT-proBNP). Results: The mean distance walked on the 6MWT in the DDD and VVIR modes were 390.60 (± 52.71) and 396.30 (± 52.71) meters respectively (p = 0.160). Results of lower QOL were found, considering the physical domain of the MLHFQ (p = 0.03) and the domains of effort dyspnea (p = 0.05) and arrhythmia (p <0.001) of the AQUAREL with the VVIR mode. NT-proBNP levels increased significantly with stimulation in VVIR mode (p < 0.001). Conclusion: After three months of stimulation with the VVIR mode, there was worsening of the QoL of the chagasic patients and increase of the levels of NT-proBNP (clinical trial record: ReBEc RBR-53x476).

Accelerometer-based atrioventricular synchronous pacing with a ventricular leadless pacemaker: Results from the Micra atrioventricular feasibility studies

BACKGROUND

Micra is a leadless pacemaker that is implanted in the right ventricle and provides rate response via a 3-axis accelerometer (ACC). Custom software was developed to detect atrial contraction using the ACC enabling atrioventricular (AV) synchronous pacing.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to sense atrial contractions from the Micra ACC signal and provide AV synchronous pacing.

METHODS

The Micra Accelerometer Sensor Sub-Study (MASS) and MASS2 early feasibility studies showed intracardiac accelerations related to atrial contraction can be measured via ACC in the Micra leadless pacemaker. The Micra Atrial TRacking Using A Ventricular AccELerometer (MARVEL) study was a prospective multicenter study designed to characterize the closed-loop performance of an AV synchronous algorithm downloaded into previously implanted Micra devices. Atrioventricular synchrony (AVS) was measured during 30 minutes of rest and during VVI pacing. AVS was defined as a P wave visible on surface ECG followed by a ventricular event <300 ms.

RESULTS

A total of 64 patients completed the MARVEL study procedure at 12 centers in 9 countries. Patients were implanted with a Micra for a median of 6.0 months (range 0-41.4). High-degree AV block was present in 33 patients, whereas 31 had predominantly intrinsic conduction during the study. Average AVS during AV algorithm pacing was 87.0% (95% confidence interval 81.8%-90.9%), 80.0% in high-degree block patients and 94.4% in patients with intrinsic conduction. AVS was significantly greater (P <.001) during AV algorithm pacing compared to VVI in high-degree block patients, whereas AVS was maintained in patients with intrinsic conduction.

CONCLUSION

Accelerometer-based atrial sensing is feasible and significantly improves AVS in patients with AV block and a single-chamber leadless pacemaker implanted in the right ventricle.

Role of cardiac pacing in congenital complete heart block

INTRODUCTION

Congenital complete heart block affects 1/15,000 live-born infants, predominantly due to atrioventricular nodal injury from maternal antibodies of mothers with systemic lupus erythermatosus or Sjogren's syndrome. The majority of these children will need a pacemaker implanted prior to becoming young adults. This article will review the various patient and technical factors that influence the type of pacemaker implanted, and the current literature on optimal pacing practices. Areas covered: A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Data regarding epicardial versus transvenous implants, pacing-induced ventricular dysfunction, alternative pacing strategies (including biventricular pacing, left ventricular pacing, and His bundle pacing), and complications with pacemakers in the pediatric population were reviewed. Expert commentary: There are numerous pacing strategies available to children with congenital complete heart block. The risks and benefits of the initial implant should be weighed against the long-term issues inherent with a life-time of pacing.

Current concepts in pacing 2010-2011: the right and wrong way to pace

OPINION STATEMENT

Over five decades have passed since the first permanent cardiac pacemakers were introduced into clinical medicine. Evolving technology and falling costs have demanded adaptation to clinical practice and implantation trends and, with the advent of evidenced-based medicine, the specific roles and benefits of individual pacemaker technologies have never been so carefully scrutinized. Pacing mode choice continues to be a subject of great controversy, and there are great regional variations in practice. We believe that single chamber atrial pacing use (AAI/R) has become an anachronism that should generally be abandoned (obviously with rare exceptional cases) and be replaced by dual chamber pacemakers (DDD/R) equipped with modern pacing algorithms that minimize patient exposure to ventricular pacing. Also, in patients with atrioventricular (AV) block, randomized clinical trials have failed to show improvement in clinically relevant outcomes such as mortality, stroke, and heart failure, particularly in the elderly, which has led some to advocate that DDD/R devices should never be offered to elderly AV block patients. However, we believe that the elderly, like the young, come in many "shapes and sizes" and individualized medicine compels us to consider each pacemaker candidate as unique. Implanting DDD/R devices in chronologically older, yet physiologically younger, patients is justifiable and good medical practice. Where right ventricular (RV) pacing is necessary and unavoidable, physicians should consider routinely placing RV leads on the RV mid- or outflow tract septum because these location are as good, if not better, for patients than the current practice of RV apical lead placement. In patients with AV block and asymptomatic yet moderate to severely depressed left ventricular systolic function, primary cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) should be strongly considered. Compelling clinical trial evidence does not yet exist to indicate that CRT should be the standard of care in patients with AV block and intact left ventricular systolic function. Right ventricular septal lead placement remains a reasonable option.