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Published on: December 11, 2017
Biventricular pacing in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: a pilot study
Antonio Berruezo1, Radu Vatasescu, Lluis Mont
1Cardiology Department, Thorax Institute, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain. berruezo@clinic.ub.es
Insights
Biventricular pacing is a feasible and effective treatment for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), significantly reducing left ventricular (LV) obstruction and improving patient quality of life. This approach also leads to a reduction in LV mass over time.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Heart Failure Management
Background:
- Conflicting results exist regarding right ventricular apex pacing for gradient reduction in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM).
- Severe left ventricular (LV) obstruction in HOCM necessitates effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of biventricular pacing in patients with HOCM.
- To evaluate the impact of biventricular pacing on LV obstruction and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Transvenous biventricular pacing was attempted in 12 severely symptomatic HOCM patients.
- Echocardiography was used to assess LV pressure gradient and synchrony.
- Optimal pacing intervals were programmed post-implantation.
Main Results:
- Biventricular pacing was successfully implanted in 9 patients, with biventricular pacing being the optimal mode in 6.
- Significant improvements were observed in functional capacity (NYHA class, 6-minute walk test) and quality of life.
- Progressive reduction in LV gradient and LV mass was noted, alongside changes in LV septal and lateral wall displacement.
Conclusions:
- Biventricular pacing is a feasible and often optimal configuration for reducing gradients in HOCM.
- Biventricular pacing effectively reduces LV hypertrophy and improves clinical outcomes in HOCM patients.
Background:
Right ventricular apex pacing for gradient reduction in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) with severe left ventricular (LV) obstruction has yielded conflicting results.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of biventricular pacing in HOCM.
Methods:
Transvenous biventricular pacing was attempted in 12 severely symptomatic HOCM patients. Optimal intervals were programmed after implant. Echocardiographic LV pressure gradient and synchrony were assessed. LV lead implantation was successful in 9 patients. Optimal pacing mode was biventricular in 6 patients, left ventricular only in 2 patients, and right ventricular only in 1 patient.
Results:
Functional capacity and quality of life progressively improved. New York Heart Association functional class decreased from 3.2 ± 0.4 at baseline to 1.9 ± 0.3 at 3 months and to 1.4 ± 0.5 at 1 year (P <.05); 6-minute walk test increased from 349 ± 116 m at baseline to 454 ± 144 m at 3 months and to 517 ± 206 m (P <.05); and quality of life increased from 54 ± 16 points at baseline to 28 ± 13 points at 3 months and 27 ± 15 points at 1 year (P <.05). There was also a progressive reduction in LV gradient from 74 ± 23 mmHg at baseline to 50 ± 27 mmHg acutely, 40 ± 26 mmHg at 3 months, and 28 ± 17 mmHg at 1 year (P <.05). Gradient reduction was associated with diminished peak longitudinal displacement of the LV septum and earlier displacement of the lateral wall. A progressive reduction of LV mass was observed, from 356 ± 110 g at baseline to 315 ± 70 g at 3 months (P = .13) and to 284 ± 42 g at 1 year (P <.05).
Conclusion:
Biventricular pacing is feasible and usually the best configuration for gradient reduction in HOCM. Biventricular pacing reduces LV hypertrophy.
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