Effect of activation sequence on MVO2 before and after coronary ligation

In pentobarbital-anesthetized, open-chest dogs with fixed heart rate, cardiac output, and systemic arterial pressure, ectopic ventricular activation originating from apical as compared to basilar regions of either ventricle was associated with small (3--5%) but significantly (P less than 0.005) lower myocardial O2 consumption (MVO2) and thus higher left ventricular (LV) efficiency without change in LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), work index (LVWI), and LV dP/dt. Data obtained during epicardial and corresponding endocardial activation did not differ. During normal ventricular activation, MVO2 remained unchanged but LVEDP was significantly (P less than 0.005) lower, thus yielding higher LVWI and efficiency. MVO2 differences among ectopic sites were abolished after coronary artery occlusion, whereas data obtained during endocardial and epicardial on normal and ectopic activation were not affected. Thus, normal activation resulting in lower LVEDP is most efficient; apical ventricular activation is less efficient at the same MVO2P basilar is the least efficient, because both MVO2 and LVEDP are higher. Ventricular activation sequence changes do not constitute a substantial determinant of MVO2.