High-density epicardial activation mapping to optimize the site for video-thoracoscopic left ventricular lead implant

2023 HRS/APHRS/LAHRS guideline on cardiac physiologic pacing for the avoidance and mitigation of heart failure

Cardiac physiologic pacing (CPP), encompassing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and conduction system pacing (CSP), has emerged as a pacing therapy strategy that may mitigate or prevent the development of heart failure (HF) in patients with ventricular dyssynchrony or pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. This clinical practice guideline is intended to provide guidance on indications for CRT for HF therapy and CPP in patients with pacemaker indications or HF, patient selection, pre-procedure evaluation and preparation, implant procedure management, follow-up evaluation and optimization of CPP response, and use in pediatric populations. Gaps in knowledge, pointing to new directions for future research, are also identified.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic epicardial pacing: A contemporary overview

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has revolutionized the approach and management of pulmonary and cardiac diseases, and its applications have significantly expanded in the last two decades. Beyond its established role in thoracic procedures, VATS has also emerged as a valuable technique for various electrophysiological procedures, including pacemaker implantations, ablation procedures, and left atrial appendage exclusion. This paper presents a thorough review of the existing literature on pacing procedures performed using a VATS approach. By analyzing and synthesizing the available studies, we aim to provide an in-depth understanding of the current knowledge and advancements in VATS-based pacing procedures. A key focus of this review is the detailed description of implantation techniques via a VATS approach.

2023 HRS/APHRS/LAHRS guideline on cardiac physiologic pacing for the avoidance and mitigation of heart failure

Cardiac physiologic pacing (CPP), encompassing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and conduction system pacing (CSP), has emerged as a pacing therapy strategy that may mitigate or prevent the development of heart failure (HF) in patients with ventricular dyssynchrony or pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. This clinical practice guideline is intended to provide guidance on indications for CRT for HF therapy and CPP in patients with pacemaker indications or HF, patient selection, pre-procedure evaluation and preparation, implant procedure management, follow-up evaluation and optimization of CPP response, and use in pediatric populations. Gaps in knowledge, pointing to new directions for future research, are also identified.

Strategy for Failed Transvenous Left-Ventricular Lead Placement in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Surrender or Struggle?

INTRODUCTION

For those cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) candidates who experience left-ventricular (LV) lead placement failure or underwent concomitant cardiac surgeries, surgical placement of epicardial LV lead guided by electroanatomic mapping may be a promising alternative.

METHODS

Electroanatomic mapping was used to guide positioning of the LV lead through a surgical approach. The LV lead was placed at the region with the latest local LV activation and normal voltage, away from the scar.

RESULTS

From April 2010 to September 2018, 10 consecutive patients (3 female) underwent surgical epicardial LV lead implantation. Among them, 3 had other surgical indications simultaneously (including 1 CRT non-responder), and 7 had failed transvenous LV lead placement. After CRT, the QRS duration was shortened from 149.3 ± 20.4 ms to 125.1 ± 15.2 ms (p = 0.01). At 6 months, the LV ejection fraction was significantly improved and remained stable in the follow-up (FU) period thereafter (baseline vs. 6 months, 31.0 ± 8.3% vs. 42.2 ± 13.4%, p = 0.006). Other parameters, including the threshold and impedance of the LV lead, were also stable at a mean FU of 755 ± 406 days, and the NYHA functional classification decreased from 2.9 ± 0.7 to 1.8 ± 0.8 (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of an epicardial LV lead guided by electroanatomic mapping could be used as an adjunctive strategy in patients who were unable or refractory to conventional CRT therapy. This approach could also be applied in patients who had other surgical indications at the same time.

Epicardial left ventricular lead implantation in cardiac resynchronization therapy patients via a video-assisted thoracoscopic technique: Long-term outcome

BACKGROUND

Epicardial placement of the left ventricular (LV) lead via a video-assisted thoracoscopic (VAT) approach is an alternative to the standard transvenous technique.

HYPOTHESIS

Long-term safety and efficacy of VAT and transvenous LV lead implantation are comparable. To test it, we reviewed our experience and we compared the outcomes of patients who underwent implantation with the two techniques.

METHODS

The VAT procedure is performed under general anesthesia, with oro-tracheal intubation and right-sided ventilation, and requires two 5 mm and one 15 mm thoracoscopic ports. After pericardiotomy at the spot of the epicardial target area, pacing measurements are taken and a spiral screw electrode is anchored at the final pacing site. The electrode is then tunneled to the pectoral pocket and connected to the device.

RESULTS

105 patients were referred to our center for epicardial LV lead implantation. After pre-operative assessment, 5 patients were excluded because of concomitant conditions precluding surgery. The remaining 100 underwent the procedure. LV lead implantation was successful in all patients (median pacing threshold 0.8 ± 0.5 V, no phrenic nerve stimulation) and cardiac resynchronization therapy was established in all but one patient. The median procedure time was 75 min. During a median follow-up of 24 months, there were no differences in terms of death, cardiovascular hospitalizations or device-related complications vs the group of 100 patients who had undergone transvenous implantation. Patients of both groups displayed similar improvements in terms of ventricular reverse remodeling and functional status.

CONCLUSIONS

Our VAT approach proved safe and effective, and is a viable alternative in the case of failed transvenous LV implantation.

Guidewire Method for Measuring Local Left Ventricular Electrical Activation Time During Cardiac Resynchronization Implantation

The timing of local activation at left ventricular (LV) pacing leads is measured from the onset of the QRS complex to the peak of the LV electrogram (QLV). Pacing from the sites of late activation is associated with higher response rates to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Prior studies have measured QLV from permanent pacing leads, or have used electroanatomic mapping systems. The current study compares QLV measurements made with a guidewire to those collected from permanent LV pacing leads positioned at the same venous site without the use of electroanatomic mapping systems. In this study, 20 patients undergoing CRT implantation (14 males, mean QRS: 164.0 ms) had QLV measurements taken using a guidewire. QLV and LV electrogram duration measurements were made at LV pacing sites, and were repeated after positioning the permanent LV pacing lead at the same site. There was no difference in QLV measurements obtained using a guidewire and those obtained using the permanent pacing lead placed at the same site (p = 0.569). QLV measurements obtained with a guidewire and the permanent LV pacing lead at the same site, respectively, were strongly correlated (r = 0.965; p < 0.001). The median absolute difference in electrogram duration was 7.0 ms (p = 0.55). The average time required to make QLV measurements using the guidewire was 11.7 minutes [standard deviation (SD): 6.8]. The average total fluoroscopy time for the entire CRT implant procedure was 10.9 minutes (SD: 5.1). In light of these results, it can be suggested that a guidewire can be used to prospectively measure LV prior to selection or placement of a permanent pacing lead without the use of an electroanatomic mapping system.

Robotic-Assisted Left Ventricular Lead Placement

Robot-assisted left ventricular lead implantation for cardiac resynchronization therapy is a feasible and safe technique with superior visualization, dexterity, and precision to target the optimal pacing site. The technique has been associated with clinical response and beneficial reverse remodeling comparable with the conventional approach via the coronary sinus. The lack of clinical superiority and a residual high nonresponder rate suggest that the appropriate clinical role for the technique remains as rescue therapy.

Robotic-Assisted Left Ventricular Lead Placement

Robot-assisted left ventricular lead implantation for cardiac resynchronization therapy is a feasible and safe technique with superior visualization, dexterity, and precision to target the optimal pacing site. The technique has been associated with clinical response and beneficial reverse remodeling comparable with the conventional approach via the coronary sinus. The lack of clinical superiority and a residual high nonresponder rate suggest that the appropriate clinical role for the technique remains as rescue therapy.