Abstract

GOMEZ, Francisco et al. Resynchronization therapy with left ventricular electrode implant via epicardium. Rev. Col. Cardiol. [online]. 2007, vol.14, n.5, pp.284-290. ISSN 0120-5633.

Introduction: heart resynchronization therapy is safe and effective for improving functional class and quality of life and to diminish mortality in patients with heart failure in functional state III and IV with optimal medical therapy. Methods: we report the procedure realized to a group of patients in the Cardiovascular and Transplant Unit at the University Hospital San Vicente de Paul and the Antioquia University between November 2004 and February 2006, to whom a tricameral pacemaker for cardiac resynchronization was implanted, inserting the left ventricular electrode via epicardium. Patients chosen for the insertion fulfilled the heart failure state C or D criteria, according to the NYHA III or IV classification, corroborated with functional test < 5 MET, ejection fraction < 35%, QRS >120ms. and echocardiographic criteria of intra-ventricular, inter-ventricular or atrio-ventricular dyssynchronism. Results: 9 patients were included: 5 men and 4 women with mean age 57 years; 8 patients had left His bundle block. The implant procedure was realized in two times: the first one in the hemodynamics ward where an electrode in right atrium and right ventricle was put, and the second one in the operating room where an electrode in the left ventricle via epicardium through left anterior mini-thoracotomy was implanted. Total procedure time oscillated between 35 and 210 minutes with a mean of 105 minutes, and less than this in the last patients. Intra-operative measures show a mean stimulation threshold of 0.9 mV; QRST duration was less than 130 ms. after biventricular stimulation in 100% of cases and the detection time when stimulating with the left ventricular electrode was greater than 100 ms. in 100% of cases. There were no complications during the procedure, diaphragmatic stimulation or the removal of the epicardial electrode after a six months follow-up. Conclusion: it was demonstrated that the tricameral pacemaker implantation for cardiac resynchronization by using an epicardial left ventricular electrode is a safe therapy with which adequate implantation parameters and device normal function are obtained.

Keywords : resynchronization; dissynchrony; epicardia; left bundle branch block.

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