Exploratory use of intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography to guide implantation of the leadless pacemaker

Fluoroscopy is the standard tool for transvenous implantation of traditional and leadless pacemakers (LPs). LPs are used to avoid complications of conventional pacemakers, but there still is a 6.5% risk of major complications. Mid-right ventricular (RV) septal device implantation is suggested to decrease the risk, but helpful cardiac landmarks cannot be visualized under fluoroscopy. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an alternative intraprocedural imaging method.

The purpose of this study was to explore the spatial relationship of the LP to cardiac landmarks via TEE and their correlations with electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters, and to outline an intraprocedural method to confirm mid-RV nonapical lead positioning.

Fifty-six patients undergoing implantation of LP with TEE guidance were enrolled in the study. Device position was evaluated by fluoroscopy, ECG, and TEE. Distances between the device and cardiac landmarks were measured by TEE and analyzed with ECG parameters with and without RV pacing.

Mid-RV septal positioning was achieved in all patients. TEE transgastric view (0°-40°/90°-130°) was the optimal view for visualizing device position. Mean tricuspid valve-LP distance was 4.9 ± 0.9 cm, mean pulmonary valve-LP distance was 4.2 ± 1 cm, and calculated RV apex-LP distance was 2.9 ± 1 cm. Mean LP paced QRS width was 160.8 ± 28 ms and increased from 117.2 ± 34 ms at baseline. LP RV pacing resulted in left bundle branch block pattern on ECG and 37.8% QRS widening by 43.5 ± 29 ms.

TEE may guide LP implantation in the nonapical mid-RV position. Further studies are required to establish whether this technique reduces implant complications compared with conventional fluoroscopy.