Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Programmed Electrical Stimulation in Mice
Published on: May 26, 2010
Dynamic atrioventricular delay programming improves ventricular electrical synchronization as evaluated by 3D
Elien B Engels1, Bernard Thibault2, Jan Mangual3
1Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
Optimal timing of the atrioventricular delay in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can improve synchrony in patients suffering from heart failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of SyncAV™ on electrical synchrony as measured by vectorcardiography (VCG) derived QRS metrics during bi-ventricular (BiV) pacing.
Methods:
Patients implanted with a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device and quadripolar left ventricular (LV) lead underwent 12‑lead ECG recordings. VCG metrics, including QRS duration (QRSd) and area, were derived from the ECG by a blinded observer during: intrinsic conduction, BiV with nominal atrioventricular delays (BiV Nominal), and BiV with SyncAV programmed to the optimal offset achieving maximal synchronization (BiV + SyncAV Opt).
Results:
One hundred patients (71% male, 40% ischemic, 65% LBBB, 32 ± 9% ejection fraction) completed VCG assessment. QRSd during intrinsic conduction (166 ± 25 ms) was narrowed successively by BiV Nominal (137 ± 23 ms, p < .05 vs. intrinsic) and BiV + SyncAV Opt (122 ± 22 ms, p < .05 vs. BiV Nominal). Likewise, 3D QRS area during intrinsic conduction (90 ± 42 mV ∗ ms) was reduced by BiV Nominal (65 ± 39 mV ∗ ms, p < .05 vs. intrinsic) and further by BiV + SyncAV Opt (53 ± 30 mV ∗ ms, p = .06 vs. BiV Nominal).
Conclusion:
With VCG-based, patient-specific optimization of the programmable offset, SyncAV reduced electrical dyssynchrony beyond conventional CRT.
More Related Videos
10:17Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System
Published on: April 11, 2025
12:45Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
Related Concept Videos
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias
Electrocardiogram
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Electrocardiogram Fundamentals
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin...