Comparison of left ventricular and biventricular pacing: Rationale and clinical implications

Wireless, fully implantable cardiac stimulation and recording with on-device computation for closed-loop pacing and defibrillation

Monitoring and control of cardiac function are critical for investigation of cardiovascular pathophysiology and developing life-saving therapies. However, chronic stimulation of the heart in freely moving small animal subjects, which offer a variety of genotypes and phenotypes, is currently difficult. Specifically, real-time control of cardiac function with high spatial and temporal resolution is currently not possible. Here, we introduce a wireless battery-free device with on-board computation for real-time cardiac control with multisite stimulation enabling optogenetic modulation of the entire rodent heart. Seamless integration of the biointerface with the heart is enabled by machine learning-guided design of ultrathin arrays. Long-term pacing, recording, and on-board computation are demonstrated in freely moving animals. This device class enables new heart failure models and offers a platform to test real-time therapeutic paradigms over chronic time scales by providing means to control cardiac function continuously over the lifetime of the subject.

Multipoint left ventricular pacing as an addition to cardiac resynchronization therapy: a bridge to the holy grail?

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) constitutes a cornerstone to the treatment of advanced dyssynchronous heart failure (DyssHF); moreover it represents one of the few instances that a revolutionary approach was pursued, yielding previously unfathomable benefits to patients out of realistic therapeutic options. However, as is rather extensively established, nonresponse, or even negative response, to CRT continue to plague its course, precluding favourable effects in up to 40% of recipients, for a multitude of reasons. Given the scope of the issue of nonresponse, attempts to negate it by means of altering CRT delivery mode, and, more specifically, by introducing multipoint left ventricular pacing (MPP) have been focused on. Possible reasons for divergent trial results will be presented, as well as potential criteria for predicting whether MPP activation may reap additional benefits as compared to conventional biventricular pacing (BVP). Finally, an alternative framework for approaching CRT in general will be put forward, including advancements which in the (near) future may once more revolutionise heart failure treatment.

Cardiac Electronic Devices: Future Directions and Challenges

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are essential management options for patients with brady- and tachyarrhythmias or heart failure with concomitant optimal pharmacotherapy. Despite increasing technological advances, there are still gaps in the management of CIED patients, eg, the growing number of lead- and pocket-related long-term complications, including cardiac device–related infective endocarditis, requires the greatest care. Likewise, patients with CIEDs should be monitored remotely as a part of a comprehensive, holistic management approach. In addition, novel technologies used in smartwatches may be a convenient tool for long-term atrial fibrillation (AF) screening, especially in high-risk populations. Early detection of AF may reduce the risk of stroke and other AF-related complications. The objective of this review article was to provide an overview of novel technologies in cardiac rhythm–management devices and future challenges related to CIEDs.