Optimized temporary bi-ventricular pacing improves haemodynamic function after on-pump cardiac surgery in patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a two-centre randomized control trial.

OBJECTIVES: Optimized temporary bi-ventricular (BiV) pacing may benefit heart failure patients after on-pump cardiac surgery compared with conventional dual-chamber right ventricular (RV) pacing. An improvement in haemodynamic function with BiV pacing may reduce the duration of 'Level 3' intensive care. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients in sinus rhythm, ejection fraction ≤35%, undergoing on-pump surgical revascularization, valve surgery or both were enrolled in this study. Before closing the sternum, temporary epicardial pacing wires were attached to the right atrium, RV outflow tract and basal posterolateral wall of the left ventricle. Patients were randomly assigned to postoperative BiV pacing with the optimization of the atrio- (AV) and inter-ventricular (VV) pacing intervals (Group 1) or conventional dual-chamber right AV pacing (Group 2). The primary end-point was the duration of 'Level 3' intensive care. Secondary end-points included cardiac output which was measured by thermodiluation at admission to the intensive care unit and at 6 and 18 h later, in five different pacing modes. RESULTS: The duration of 'Level 3' care was similar between groups (40 ± 35 vs 54 ± 63 h; Group 1 vs 2; P = 0.43). Cardiac output was similar in all pacing modes at baseline. At 18 h, cardiac output with BiV pacing (5.8 l/min) was 7% higher than atrial inhibited (5.4 l/min) and 9% higher than dual-chamber RV pacing (5.3 l/min; P = 0.02 and 0.001, respectively). Optimization of the VV interval produced a further 4% increase in cardiac output compared with baseline settings (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative haemodynamic function may be enhanced by temporary BiV pacing of high-risk patients after on-pump cardiac surgery.

Temporary epicardial cardiac resynchronisation versus conventional right ventricular pacing after cardiac surgery: study protocol for a randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure patients with stable angina, acute coronary syndromes and valvular heart disease may benefit from revascularisation and/or valve surgery. However, the mortality rate is increased- 5-30%. Biventricular pacing using temporary epicardial wires after surgery is a potential mechanism to improve cardiac function and clinical endpoints. METHOD/DESIGN: A multi-centred, prospective, randomised, single-blinded, intervention-control trial of temporary biventricular pacing versus standard pacing. Patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease or both, an ejection fraction ≤ 35% and a conventional indication for cardiac surgery will be recruited from 2 cardiac centres. Baseline investigations will include: an electrocardiogram to confirm sinus rhythm and measure QRS duration; echocardiogram to evaluate left ventricular function and markers of mechanical dyssynchrony; dobutamine echocardiogram for viability and blood tests for renal function and biomarkers of myocardial injury- troponin T and brain naturetic peptide. Blood tests will be repeated at 18, 48 and 72 hours. The principal exclusions will be subjects with permanent atrial arrhythmias, permanent pacemakers, infective endocarditis or end-stage renal disease.After surgery, temporary pacing wires will be attached to the postero-lateral wall of the left ventricle, the right atrium and right ventricle and connected to a triple chamber temporary pacemaker. Subjects will be randomised to receive either temporary biventricular pacing or standard pacing (atrial inhibited pacing or atrial-synchronous right ventricular pacing) for 48 hours.The primary endpoint will be the duration of level 3 care. In brief, this is the requirement for invasive ventilation, multi-organ support or more than one inotrope/vasoconstrictor. Haemodynamic studies will be performed at baseline, 6, 18 and 24 hours after surgery using a pulmonary arterial catheter. Measurements will be taken in the following pacing modes: atrial inhibited; right ventricular only; atrial synchronous-right ventricular; atrial synchronous-left ventricular and biventricular pacing. Optimisation of the atrioventricular and interventricular delay will be performed in the biventricular pacing group at 18 hours. The effect of biventricular pacing on myocardial injury, post operative arrhythmias and renal function will also be quantified. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01027299.