Improved Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy through Optimization of Atrioventricular and Interventricular Delays Using Acoustic Cardiography

Abstract

Introduction: Acoustic cardiographic parameters offer non-invasive surrogates for hemodynamically relevant descriptors of LV function. Our purpose was to determine the utility of acoustic cardiography for the optimization of atrioventricular (AV) and interventricular (VV) delays in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Hypothesis: The optimization of AV and VV delays using acoustic cardiography leads to additional objective improvements in LV function in patients with CRT. Methods: Spiroergometry and 2D/3D echocardiography were used to assess cardiac performance for standard (“out-of-the-box”) settings (AV 120 ms, VV 0 ms) versus optimal settings (determined by acoustic cardiography).