RESUMO
Permanent right ventricular apical pacing deteriorates cardiac systolic function in some patients. We investigated an alternative site for permanent pacemaker (PPM) lead positioning with the goal of achieving more physiological pacing. A total of 132 patients with bradyarrhythmias underwent PPM implantation at the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) with conventional active-fixation leads. A real-time cross-correlation analysis (CCA) was performed using the Synchromax® software (EXO Health, Seattle, WA, USA) to determine the optimal site for ventricular lead implantation based on the cardiac synchrony index. The follow-up period ranged from 6-36 months, and the following parameters were assessed: pacing capture threshold, lead stability, and the need for lead repositioning. Adequate parameters were achieved in 129 patients (98%), and there were no procedure-related complications. At follow-up, no leads were dislodged, pacing thresholds remained stable, and no lead required repositioning. Using real-time CCA as an intraoperative parameter during PPM implantation at the septal RVOT helps to achieve cardiac synchrony in the vast majority of cases. This technique is a simple, effective, and safe way to simplify and standardize PPM implantation at the RVOT.
RESUMO
Cardiac stimulation therapy has evolved significantly over the past 30 years. Currently, cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are the mainstream therapy for many potentially lethal heart conditions, such as advanced atrioventricular block or sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Despite sometimes being lifesaving, the implant is surgical and therefore carries all the inevitable intrinsic risks. In the process of technology evolution, one of the most important factors is to make it safer for the patient. In the context of CIED implants, complications include accidental puncture of intrathoracic structures. Alternative strategies to intrathoracic subclavian vein puncture include cephalic vein dissection or axillary vein puncture, which can be guided by fluoroscopy, venography or, more recently, ultrasound. In this article, the authors analyse the state of the art of ultrasound-guided axillary vein puncture using evidence from landmark studies in this field.