Pacing from the right ventricular septum: is there a danger to the coronary arteries?
Andrew W Teh1, Caroline Medi, Raphael Rosso
1Department of Cardiology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Insights
Right ventricular septal pacing avoids coronary artery compromise. Septal lead placement is safer than apical pacing, preventing potential issues with the left anterior descending coronary artery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiac Pacing
Background:
- Right ventricular (RV) apical pacing may negatively impact left ventricular function.
- RV septal pacing is explored as an alternative to mitigate these effects.
- Potential proximity of pacing leads to the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) is a concern.
Observation:
- A retrospective analysis of three patients with RV active-fixation leads and coronary angiography was performed.
- Fluoroscopic views assessed the relationship between lead tips and coronary arteries.
- Lead placement on the anterior wall showed close proximity to the LAD.
Findings:
- RV septal lead placement demonstrated no compromise of coronary arteries.
- RV free wall positioning also appeared safe regarding coronary artery proximity.
Implications:
- Septal positioning of RV active-fixation leads is a safe strategy.
- This approach avoids potential complications associated with LAD compromise.
- Septal pacing offers a potentially safer alternative for long-term cardiac pacing.
Background:
Pacing from right ventricular (RV) septal sites has been suggested as an alternative to RV apical pacing in an attempt to avoid long-term adverse consequences on left ventricular function. Concern has been raised as to the relationship of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) to pacing leads in these positions.
Methods And Results:
We retrospectively analyzed three cases in which patients with RV active-fixation leads in situ also had coronary angiography. Multiple fluoroscopic views were used to determine the relationship of the lead tip at various pacing sites to the coronary arteries. A lead placed on the anterior wall was in close proximity to the LAD, whereas septal and free wall positioning was not.
Conclusion:
Placement of RV active-fixation leads on the septum avoids potential coronary artery compromise.
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