Non-invasive electrical synchrony method to guide para-hisian stimulation implant technique

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Right ventricular apex stimulation solves electrical disorder but electrical disynchrony can be generated. Left bundle branch block results in heart failure and device upgrade is needed in some cases. Para-hisian stimulation generates a physiological cardiac activation through normal conduction system. Sheaths and special leads are used with current techniques. We developed an implantation technique guided by non-invasive electric synchrony using conventional screw-in leads. Synchromax is a novel device used to evaluate non-invasive cardiac electrical synchrony. It is easy to understand, fast to obtain, non-invasive and reproducible. Synchromax was analyzed in previous studies and correlated with other methods. Objective Usefulness and safety of non-invasive cardiac electrical synchrony method using conventional screw-in leads to guide para-hisian device implantation. Materials and methods 421 patients were evaluated. All patients had indication of ventricular stimulation (pacemaker and ICD). Non-invasive electrical synchrony was performed with Synchromax study during the device implantations in all patients. Synchrony index and curves were analyzed. Type 2 curve and index between 0,1 and 0,4 were considered synchronous. Type 8 curve and index more than 0.7 were considered dyssynchronous. Attempt numbers, thresholds, fluoroscopy time and dislodgments were analyzed. Results Mean age 69 years (±8 years). 67,9% males. 421 devices were implanted (334 pacemakes and 87 ICDs). Sick sinus syndrome was the main pacemaker aetiology and dilated cardiomyopathy was in patients with ICD. Conventional screw-in leads were used in all cases. An implant technique was designed. A J-shaped curve with a small perpendicular curve at the tip is performed in the stylet. On average 1,9 attempts were made. Thresholds average 1,2 mV. High thresholds in 4 patients with selective parahisian stimulation. 7 dislodgments was evidenced (1,6%). Fluoroscopy time average 8,4 min. Type 2 curve and index under 0,4 was obtained in 94,5% of cases. Conclusions Para-hisian pacemaker implantation guided by Synchromax method using conventional screw-in leads is safe and useful achieving a physiological stimulation. Few attempts were needed with this new technique. Thresholds were similar to those used in conventional technique. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None