Cardiac output measurement in patients with an implanted pacemaker

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Pacemakers are commonly implanted to manage cardiac rhythm disorders.
• Optimizing pacemaker settings, specifically atrio-ventricular delay, is crucial for hemodynamic efficiency.
• Accurate measurement of cardiac output is essential for assessing cardiovascular function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between atrio-ventricular delay and cardiac output in patients with implanted pacemakers.
• To determine the optimal atrio-ventricular delay for maximizing cardiac output in this patient population.
• To present the findings from a cohort of 26 patients.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a custom-built digital bioimpedance monitor for impedance cardiography.
• Measured cardiac output in relation to varying atrio-ventricular delays.
• Calculated and scored the maximum relative cardiac output for each patient.

Main Results:

• Cardiac output was successfully measured in 26 patients with implanted pacemakers.
• The study identified specific atrio-ventricular delay settings that maximized cardiac output.
• Individualized optimization of atrio-ventricular delay demonstrated potential for hemodynamic improvement.

Conclusions:

• Impedance cardiography is a viable method for assessing cardiac output in pacemaker patients.
• Atrio-ventricular delay significantly influences cardiac output.
• Personalized optimization of pacemaker settings can enhance cardiovascular performance.