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An experimental method for thermal control of heart rate: work in progress
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|September 1, 1980
Summary
Supraventricular arrhythmias after bypass surgery may respond to cooling the sino-atrial node (SAN). Topical cooling probes offer a feasible, non-pharmacologic method to control heart rate and manage these arrhythmias.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
- Medical Device Development
Background:
- Supraventricular arrhythmias are a common complication following coronary artery bypass surgery.
- These arrhythmias can negatively impact patient recovery and outcomes.
- Current management strategies may have limitations or side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of sino-atrial node (SAN) cooling for managing postoperative supraventricular arrhythmias.
- To determine if topical cooling can effectively control heart rate in these patients.
- To assess the feasibility of a non-pharmacologic system for arrhythmia control.
Main Methods:
- Utilized topical cooling probes (thermodes) applied to the sino-atrial node.
- Monitored variations in heart rate in response to controlled nodal hypothermia.
- Developed and tested prototype thermodes designed for SAN implantation.
Main Results:
- Modest sino-atrial node hypothermia demonstrated control of sinus rate within a clinically useful range.
- Topical cooling probes effectively regulated heart rate.
- The data support the feasibility of using thermodes for arrhythmia management.
Conclusions:
- Sino-atrial node cooling is a promising non-pharmacologic approach for controlling supraventricular tachyarrhythmias post-bypass surgery.
- Prototype thermodes are suitable for clinical application and implantation.
- This method offers a potential new strategy for managing cardiac arrhythmias.