Hemodynamic Effects of Long-Term Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Mechanical discoordination rather than dyssynchrony predicts reverse remodeling upon cardiac resynchronization

By current guidelines a considerable part of the patients selected for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) do not respond to the therapy. We hypothesized that mechanical discoordination [opposite strain within the left ventricular (LV) wall] predicts reversal of LV remodeling upon CRT better than mechanical dyssynchrony. MRI tagging images were acquired in CRT candidates ( n = 19) and in healthy control subjects ( n = 9). Circumferential strain (εcc) was determined in 160 regions. From εcc signals we derived 1) an index of mechanical discoordination [internal stretch fraction (ISF), defined as the ratio of stretch to shortening during ejection] and 2) indexes of mechanical dyssynchrony: the 10–90% width of time to onset of shortening, time to peak shortening, and end-systolic strain. LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), end-systolic volume (LVESV), and ejection fraction (LVEF) were determined before and after 3 mo of CRT. Responders were defined as those patients in whom LVESV decreased by >15%. In responders ( n = 10), CRT increased LVEF and decreased LVEDV and LVESV (11 ± 6%, 21 ± 16%, and 30 ± 16%, respectively) significantly more ( P < 0.05) than in nonresponders (1 ± 6%, 3 ± 4%, and 5 ± 10%, respectively). Among mechanical indexes, only ISF was different between responders and nonresponders (0.53 ± 0.25 vs. 0.31 ± 0.16; P < 0.05). In patients with ISF >0.4 ( n = 10), LVESV decreased by 31 ± 18% vs. 5 ± 11% in patients with ISF <0.4 ( P < 0.05). We conclude that mechanical discoordination, as estimated from ISF, is a better predictor of reverse remodeling after CRT than differences in time to onset and time to peak shortening. Therefore, discoordination rather than dyssynchrony appears to reflect the reserve contractile capacity that can be recruited by CRT.

Biventricular pacing in chronic heart failure acutely facilitates the arterial baroreflex

Metabolic and mechanical stress in the failing heart activates the cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex (CSAR). It has been demonstrated that cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) acutely reduces MSNA in clinical responders. Mechanistically, this beneficial effect might be explained by acute deactivation of the CSAR. In addition to sympathoexcitation, CSAR inhibits the arterial baroreflex at the level of the nucleus tractus solitarii. Hence, in responders, CRT is likely to remove/reduce this inhibition. Therefore, we hypothesized that CRT acutely facilitates the arterial baroreflex. One day after implantation of a CRT device in 32 patients with chronic heart failure (LVEF; 27 ± 6%), we measured noninvasive baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and heart rate variability (HRV) in two conditions: CRT device switched on and switched off (on/off order randomized). BRS changes were correlated with the difference in unpaced/paced LVEF, a measure of acute mechanical response to CRT. CRT increased BRS by 35% from 2.96 to 3.79 ms/mmHg ( P < 0.02) and increased HRV (standard deviation of the intervals between normal beats) from 18.5 to 24.0 ms ( P < 0.01). The CRT-induced relative change in BRS correlated with the change in LVEF ( r = 0.44; P < 0.01). In conclusion, CRT acutely increases BRS and HRV. This favorable response of the autonomic nervous system might be caused by CRT-induced CSAR deactivation. Follow-up studies should verify the mechanism of the acute response and the possible predictive value of an acute positive BRS response.

Ventricular optimization of biventricular pacing: a systematic review

Biventricular pacing has been shown to improve the overall clinical outcomes in patients with systolic heart failure and ventricular conduction delay on electrocardiogram. As correction of ventricular dyssynchrony is the putative mechanism of benefit, biventricular pacing is also termed as cardiac resynchronization therapy. The development of separate programmability of right and left ventricular output has led to a growing number of reports on the potential benefit of optimization of cardiac resynchronization by sequential biventricular pacing with different techniques and endpoints. This systematic review summarizes the current data for the optimization of sequential (V-V delay) compared with (default) simultaneous biventricular pacing in heart failure.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves renal function in human heart failure with reduced glomerular filtration rate

BACKGROUND

Renal dysfunction is an important independent prognostic factor in heart failure (HF). Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves functional status and left ventricular (LV) function in HF patients with ventricular dyssynchrony, but the impact of CRT on renal function is less defined. We hypothesized that CRT would improve glomerular filtration rate as estimated by the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation (eGFR).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Multicenter InSync Randomized Clinical Evaluation (MIRACLE) study evaluated CRT in HF patients with NYHA Class III-IV, ejection fraction <or=35%, and QRS >or=130 ms. Patients were evaluated before and 6 months after randomization to control (n = 225) or CRT (n = 228). Patients were categorized according to their baseline eGFR: >or=90 (category A), 60 <or=eGFR <90 (category B), and 30 <or=eGFR <60 (category C) mL/min per 1.73 m(2). CRT improved LV function in all categories. Compared with control, CRT increased eGFR (-2.4 +/- 1.2 vs. +2.7 +/- 1.2 mL/min per 1.73 m(2); P = .003) and reduced blood urea nitrogen (+6.4 +/- 2.4 vs. -1.1 +/- 1.5 mg/mL; P = .008) in category C, whereas no differences were observed in categories A and B.

CONCLUSIONS

CRT increased eGFR and reduced blood urea nitrogen in HF patients with moderately reduced baseline eGFR. By improving cardiac function, CRT can indirectly improve renal function, underscoring the importance of cardiorenal interaction and providing another mechanism for the beneficial effects of CRT.

Role of left ventricular stiffness in heart failure with normal ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

Increased left ventricular stiffness is a distinct finding in patients who have heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF). To elucidate how diastolic dysfunction contributes to heart failure symptomatology during exercise, we conducted a study using an invasive pressure-volume loop approach and measured cardiac function at rest and during atrial pacing and handgrip exercise.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with HFNEF (n=70) and patients without heart failure symptoms (n=20) were enrolled. Pressure-volume loops were measured with a conductance catheter during basal conditions, handgrip exercise, and atrial pacing with 120 bpm to analyze diastolic and systolic left ventricular function. During transient preload reduction, the diastolic stiffness constant was measured directly. Diastolic function with increased stiffness was significantly impaired in patients with HFNEF during basal conditions. This was associated with increased end-diastolic pressures during handgrip exercise and with decreased stroke volume and a leftward shift of pressure-volume loops during atrial pacing.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased left ventricular stiffness contributed to increased end-diastolic pressure during handgrip exercise and decreased stroke volume during atrial pacing in patients with HFNEF. These data suggest that left ventricular stiffness modulates cardiac function in HFNEF patients and suggests that diastolic dysfunction with increased stiffness is a target for treating HFNEF.

Using echocardiography in cardiac resynchronization therapy

Cardiac resynchronization therapy has become a therapeutic option for refractory heart failure. Several imaging techniques play an increasingly important role in patient selection during and after implantation. This manuscript reviews the current echocardiographic techniques available for guiding both patient selection and optimization of device programming following implantation.

Acute effects of His bundle pacing versus left ventricular and right ventricular pacing on left ventricular function

Dual-chamber pacing with His bundle pacing has theoretical advantages over conventional right ventricular (RV) apical pacing. We compared indexes of left ventricular (LV) function during acute dual-chamber pacing from the His bundle and other RV and LV pacing sites. Twelve patients (6 men; 63 +/- 11 years) with a standard indication for electrophysiologic study were included. Average QRS duration was 100 +/- 19 ms. Ejection fraction was 48 +/- 15%. A pressure-volume catheter was positioned in the left ventricle through the femoral arterial access. Pressure-volume loops were collected during atrial (AAI) and dual-chamber overdrive pacing at 82 +/- 15 beats/min after 2 minutes of hemodynamic stabilization. Ventricular pacing catheter position was randomized between the RV apex, RV septal, and free wall portions of the outflow tract, LV free wall, and His bundle. His bundle capture was verified from surface electrocardiographic morphometry using standard criteria. Atrioventricular delay was set to the P wave-His duration -10 ms to minimize the effects of fusion (96 +/- 22 ms). LV only pacing, but not His pacing, resulted in improved stroke work and stroke volume compared with alternate site RV pacing. No changes in +dP/dt, LV end-systolic pressure. LV end-diastolic pressure, or cycle efficiency, were observed between RV pacing sites. In conclusion, acute His bundle pacing did not improve LV function compared with alternate site RV pacing and may be inferior to LV pacing.

Right Ventricular Mechanics and QRS Duration in Patients With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot

Background— Patients after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) frequently have right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and prolonged QRS duration (QRSd) and thus could be candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy. We aimed to assess the relationship between QRSd and the timing of RV wall motion, including the RV outflow tract (RVOT), in these patients.

Methods and Results— Sixty-seven repaired ToF patients (median age, 34 years; interquartile range, 24 to 43 years) and 35 age-matched control subjects were studied by echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (n=55 of 67 ToF patients). Time intervals of the RV cardiac cycle were measured from Doppler recordings. Long-axis M-mode recordings were acquired from the right ventricular (RV) free wall and RV outflow tract (RVOT), and the delay in onset of long-axis shortening was measured. ToF patients showed minor abnormalities of the RV cardiac cycle unrelated to QRSd. RV ejection time was prolonged and correspondingly filling time was reduced compared with control subjects (22.3±2.6 versus 20.0±2.9 s/min, P <0.0001; 29.0±3.8 versus 32.7±3.5 s/min, P <0.0001). Total isovolumic time was normal in ToF patients (8.7±4.0 versus 7.4±2.9 s/min; P =NS). QRSd correlated with the delay in RV free wall motion ( r =0.55, P <0.0001) and more so with the delay in RVOT shortening ( r =0.82, P <0.0001). QRSd also correlated with measures of RVOT abnormality such as long-axis RVOT excursion and akinetic area length ( r =−0.46, P =0.004; r =0.33, P =0.01).

Conclusions— QRSd in postoperative ToF patients reflects mainly abnormalities of the RVOT rather than the RV body itself. Thus, prevention and treatment of mechanical asynchrony and malignant arrhythmia should focus on the RV infundibulum. Indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy after ToF repair warrant further investigation.

Effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy on diastolic function: evaluation by radionuclide angiography

While the beneficial effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on left ventricular (LV) systolic function have been demonstrated, no information is available regarding its effects on LV diastolic function during exercise. Using radionuclide angiography, we prospectively evaluated the effects of CRT on diastolic function at rest and during exercise in 15 patients consecutively referred for CRT. All patients underwent equilibrium Tc(99) radionuclide angiography with bicycle exercise performed (1) at baseline; (2) immediately after CRT implantation, in spontaneous rhythm and during CRT; and (3) after 3 months of biventricular stimulation. Diastolic function was assessed by measurements of peak filling rate (PFR). At baseline, activation of biventricular stimulation influenced PFR neither at rest (1.06 +/- 0.34 vs 1.07 +/- 0.50 mL/s during spontaneous rhythm, P = 0.9) nor during exercise (1.45 +/- 0.62 vs 1.33 +/- 0.48 mL/s, P = 0.3). At 3 months, improvements were observed in New York Heart Association functional class and systolic function. By contrast, no improvement in diastolic function was observed either at rest (PFR = 1.11 +/- 0.45 vs 1.07 +/- 0.50 mL/s in spontaneous rhythm at baseline, P = 0.6) or during exercise (1.23 +/- 0.50 vs 1.33 +/- 0.48 mL/s, P = 0.2). These observations indicate that the intermediate benefits conferred by CRT on LV systolic function at rest and during exercise were not accompanied by similar improvements in diastolic function.

Cardiac output derived from left ventricular pressure during conductance catheter evaluations: an extended Modelflow method

OBJECTIVE

The Modelflow method computes cardiac output (CO) from arterial pressure (CO-MFao) by simulating a non-linear three-element Windkessel model of aortic input impedance. We present a novel technique to apply the Modelflow method to the left ventricular pressure (Plv) signal, to obtain an estimation of CO (CO-MFlv).

METHODS

We extended the model by simulating the aortic valve as a resistance placed in series to the characteristic impedance. In our model the valve resistance is infinite in diastole, while it has a patient related value during systole. Twenty one patients with heart failure were studied with a combined pressure-conductance catheter positioned in the left ventricle and a micromanometer in the aorta. CO changes were induced during temporary sequential atrio-biventricular pacing with different atrio-ventricular and inter-ventricular intervals. After a single calibration we compared CO-MFlv with CO-MFao (516 measurement series) and with CO estimated by the conductance catheter volume technique (CO-cond) (267 series).

RESULTS

CO ranged from 2.42 to 7.59 l/min with an overall mean of 4.36 (1.38) l/min. Comparing the two Modelflow methods, the bias was -0.04 (0.36) l/min, with limits of agreement of -0.77 and 0.70 l/min, and a coefficient of variation of 8.4%. Of the 516 changes in CO from baseline values, 112 were greater than 0.5 l/min and 110 of these (98%) were scored in the same direction by both methods. For comparisons between CO-MFlv and CO-cond the bias was -0.10 (0.49), with limits of agreement of -1.12 and 0.90 l/min, and a coefficient of variation of 12.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac output estimates by the modelflow method from aortic pressure and left ventricular pressure are interchangeable in patients without mitral and aortic abnormalities. After an initial calibration, CO-MFlv presents near zero bias and an adequate precision.

Interventional electrophysiology and cardiac resynchronization therapy: delivering electrical therapies for heart failure

Implantable devices have become a readily available option for patients with heart failure. Not only do these patients develop bradycardia and ventricular tachycardia, but their ventricular dysfunction can often improve with cardiac resynchronization therapy. However, this is a complex and rapidly developing clinical science for which the physician chooses techniques and selects patients on the basis of the results of clinical trials, clinical experience, and rapidly evolving tools. The results depend on the interplay of these complex variables. Placement of the left ventricular lead has forced the device physician to develop new skills and/or interdisciplinary relationships with physicians with vascular intervention, imaging, and surgical skills. Familiarity with the cardiac venous anatomy, occlusive venography, venoplasty, guide wire tools, guiding catheters, stenting, and new intracardiac visualization and magnetic intracardiac lead positioning tools are examples of just a few of the novel skills that are useful in the delivery of cardiac resynchronization therapy. Beyond implantation, these patients and devices require specialized follow-up with continued medical therapy and echo-guided adjustments of device programming. Finally, there are ongoing controversies and many as yet unanswered questions that are the subject of ongoing and planned clinical trials.

Does RV lead positioning provide additional benefit to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with advanced heart failure?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The left ventricular (LV) stimulation site is currently recommended to position the lead at the lateral wall. However, little is known as to whether right ventricular (RV) lead positioning is also important for cardiac resynchronization therapy. This study compared the acute hemodynamic response to biventricular pacing (BiV) at two different RV stimulation sites: RV high septum (RVHS) and RV apex (RVA).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using micro-manometer-tipped catheter, LV pressure was measured during BiV pacing at RV (RVA or RVHS) and LV free wall in 33 patients. Changes in LV dP/dt(max) and dP/dt(min) from baseline were compared between RVA and RVHS. BiV pacing increased dP/dt(max) by 30.3 +/- 1.2% in RVHS and by 33.3 +/- 1.7% in RVA (P = n.s.), and decreased dP/dt(min) by 11.4 +/- 0.7% in RVHS and by 13.0 +/- 1.0% in RVA (P = n.s.). To explore the optimal combination of RV and LV stimulation sites, we assessed separately the role of RV positioning with LV pacing at anterolateral (AL), lateral (LAT), or posterolateral (PL) segment. When the LV was paced at AL or LAT, the increase in dP/dt(max) with RVHS pacing was smaller than that with RVA pacing (AL: 12.2 +/- 2.2% vs 19.3 +/- 2.1%, P < 0.05; LAT: 22.0 +/- 2.7% vs 28.5 +/- 2.2%, P < 0.05). There was no difference in dP/dt(min) between RVHS- and RVA pacing in individual LV segments.

CONCLUSIONS

RVHS stimulation has no overall advantage as an alternative stimulation site for RVA during BiV pacing. RVHS was equivalent with RVA in combination with the PL LV site, while RVA was superior to RVHS in combination with AL or LAT LV site.

Pediatric cardiac resynchronization pacing therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Advances in pacemaker lead designs, permitting precise lead implantation at sites other than the ventricular apex, have provoked interest in the utilization of ventricular pacing beyond maintenance of heart rate. Select older adult patients with various cardiomyopathies may improve clinically following alternative site, biventricular and cardiac resynchronization pacing. This report reviews recent applications and directions of these pacing technologies to younger patients with congenital heart defects.

RECENT FINDINGS

Acutely, following congenital heart surgery or chronically, studies now indicate that select younger patients may demonstrate physiologic benefits from pacing preselected single ventricular or combined right and left ventricular sites. This may prevent eventual paced myocardial deterioration as well as support and even reverse existing myocardial dysfunction, deferring the need for heart transplantation.

SUMMARY

There are limited worldwide pediatric experiences, and, to date, no randomized multicenter studies. It is becoming more evident, however, that as these pacing techniques are used in younger patients, clinical improvements, comparable to older adult patients, even delaying heart transplant, may be anticipated. Since these newer techniques are more complicated and costly than simple pacemaker implantation, future directions will be for multi-institutional pediatric studies with clear definition of which pre-implant variables will define physiologic improvement.

Effects of Stimulation Site on Diastolic Function in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

BACKGROUND

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves left ventricular (LV) systolic function and clinical status, and prolongs survival of patients suffering from heart failure. An optimal LV site selection is key with respect to improvements in systolic function, though whether a site-specific effect on diastolic function exists is unclear. This study compared the effects of CRT on changes in systolic and diastolic function from 2 LV stimulation sites.

METHODS

We studied 21 patients in New York Heart Association functional classes >/= III, and a LV ejection fraction < 0.30 and QRS duration > 130 ms. CRT leads were placed in the right ventricle, right atrium, and coronary sinus tributaries. LV stimulation was applied from the postero-lateral and antero-lateral wall. A LV conductance catheter was used to measure LV systolic and diastolic function. Systolic responders had > 10% changes in dP/dt(max), and diastolic responders < 10% changes in tau during CRT versus baseline. Response was highly dependent on LV lead position for both diastolic and systolic function. Diastolic responders decreased from 29% to 10% of patients, and systolic responders from 76% to 48%, in the best versus the worst lead position, respectively. Improvements in diastolic function were less pronounced than in systolic function (relative change -14% vs +28%, P < 0.05). Overall, 45% were both systolic and diastolic responders, 17% were both systolic and diastolic nonresponders, and 38% had opposite responses.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in systolic and diastolic function were both highly dependent on the LV stimulation site. Diastolic function was less influenced by CRT and a high proportion of patients had discordant results.

Effects of sequential biventricular pacing during acute right ventricular pressure overload

Temporary sequential biventricular pacing (BiVP) is a promising treatment for postoperative cardiac dysfunction, but the mechanism for improvement in right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is not understood. In the present study, cardiac output (CO) was optimized by sequential BiVP in six anesthetized, open-chest pigs during control and acute RV pressure overload (RVPO). Ventricular contractility was assessed by the maximum rate of increase of ventricular pressure (dP/d tmax). Mechanical interventricular synchrony was measured by the area of the normalized RV-left ventricular (LV) pressure diagram ( APP). Positive APP indicates RV pressure preceding LV pressure, whereas zero indicates complete synchrony. In the control state, CO was maximized with nearly simultaneous stimulation of the RV and LV, which increased RV ( P = 0.006) and LV dP/d tmax ( P = 0.002). During RVPO, CO was maximized with RV-first pacing, which increased RV dP/d tmax ( P = 0.007), but did not affect LV dP/d tmax, and decreased the left-to-right, end-diastolic pressure gradient ( P = 0.023). Percent increase of RV dP/d tmax was greater than LV dP/d tmax ( P = 0.014). There were no increases in end-diastolic pressure to account for increases in dP/d tmax. In control and RVPO, RV dP/dtmax was linearly related to APP ( r = 0.779, P < 0.001). The relation of CO to APP was curvilinear, with a peak in CO with positive APP in the control state ( P = 0.004) and with APP approaching zero during RVPO ( P = 0.001). These observations imply that, in our model, BiVP optimization improves CO by augmenting RV contractility. This is mediated by changes in mechanical interventricular synchrony. Afterload increases during RVPO exaggerate this effect, making CO critically dependent on simultaneous pressure generation in the RV and LV, with support of RV contractility by transmission of LV pressure across the interventricular septum.

Illness Representation of Patients With Systolic Heart Failure

Studies have shown that individuals influence their health outcomes, both positively and negatively, through their illness representation. To date, no studies describe the illness representation of persons with systolic heart failure, a significant contributor of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The purpose of this study was to describe illness representation in heart failure. Twenty-two subjects with New York Heart Association class II or III systolic heart failure were recruited at a university-based heart failure clinic. Illness representation was measured using the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire. The means on each of the 9 subscales were found to be significantly different from the neutral point of 3. The results suggest that participants believed that their heart failure was a chronic, cyclic disease with serious consequences that they could control through treatment. In addition, participants believed that they understood their heart failure and did not have a negative affective response to their heart failure.