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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of real-time computed tomographic (CT) imaging to guide the percutaneous placement of left ventricular (LV) leads in an animal model. BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy has been shown to improve morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic heart failure. However, placement of the coronary sinus lead can be challenging and may require a more aggressive surgical approach. METHODS: Nine swine were placed in a real-time CT scanner to define the safest percutaneous access strategy. Under real-time CT guidance, a 3.5-F pacing lead was placed percutaneously in the anterolateral LV epicardium (n = 6 swine) or to the posterolateral wall after the creation of intentional left pneumothorax (n = 3 swine) in a tangential (n = 12) or perpendicular (n = 1) approach. Pacing parameters and CT images were assessed during 30-min follow-up. Necropsy findings were compared with real-time CT images. RESULTS: CT imaging successfully defined the safest percutaneous access route in all 13 lead placements and guided the therapeutic creation of pneumothoraces. Needle trajectory remained within 5 mm of the access route defined on CT imaging. LV lead placement under CT guidance was successful in all attempts within 19 ± 7 min. The mean pacing thresholds was 2.5 ± 1.5 V, the mean R wave amplitude was 11.2 ± 5.6 mV, and the mean impedance was 686 ± 103 Ω and remained unchanged after tangential placement during 30-min follow-up. Although no cardiac complications were observed with tangential lead placement (12 of 12), the perpendicular approach resulted in a pericardial effusion requiring pericardiocentesis. At necropsy, CT images correlated well with the in situ pathological results. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous placement of LV pacing leads under CT guidance is feasible and might offer an alternative to more invasive surgical approaches in patients with complicated coronary sinus lead placement.
JACC. Cardiovascular imaging 01/2013; 6(1):96-104. · 14.29 Impact Factor
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Journal of the American College of Cardiology 11/2012; 60(21):2259-60. · 14.16 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The integration of myocardial scar models in 3-dimensional (3D) mapping systems may provide a novel way of helping to guide ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablations. This study assessed the value of (201)Tl SPECT perfusion imaging to define ventricular myocardial scar areas and to characterize electrophysiology voltage-derived myocardial substrate categories of scar, border zone (BZ), and normal myocardium regions. Scar and BZ regions have been implicated in the genesis of ventricular arrhythmias.
Ten patients scheduled for VT ablation underwent (201)Tl SPECT before the ablation procedure. 3D left ventricular (LV) scar models were created from the SPECT images. These scar models were registered with the LV voltage maps and analyzed with a 17-segment cardiac model. Scar location and scar burden were compared between the SPECT scar models and voltage maps. In addition, (201)Tl SPECT uptake was quantified using a 68-segment cardiac model and compared among voltage-defined scar, BZ, and normal segments.
3D models of LV myocardium and scar were successfully created from (201)Tl SPECT images and integrated in a clinical mapping system. The surface registration error with the electrophysiology voltage map was 4.4 ± 1.0 mm. The 3D scar location from SPECT matched in 72% of the segments with the voltage map findings. All successful ablation sites were located within the SPECT-defined scar or within 1 cm of its border, with 73% of the successful ablation sites within 1 cm of the scar border. Voltage measurements in SPECT-defined scar and normal areas were 1.2 ± 1.7 and 3.4 ± 2.8 mV, respectively (P < 0.001). The fractional SPECT scar burden area (18.8% ± 5.2%) agreed better with the abnormal (scar plus BZ) voltage area (20.8% ± 15.7%) than with the scar voltage area (5.8% ± 5.8%). Mean normalized (201)Tl uptake was 55% ± 21% in the voltage-defined scar, 63% ± 20% in BZ, and 79% ± 17% in normal myocardial segments (P < 0.05 for scar or BZ vs. normal).
3D SPECT surface models of LV scar were accurately integrated into a clinical mapping system and predicted endocardial voltage-defined scar. These preliminary data support the possible use of widely available (201)Tl SPECT to facilitate substrate-guided VT ablations.
Journal of Nuclear Medicine 05/2012; 53(6):894-901. · 6.38 Impact Factor
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Circulation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology 04/2012; 5(2):e31-5. · 6.46 Impact Factor
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Timm Dickfeld
Expert Review of Medical Devices 03/2011; 8(2):131-3. · 2.63 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Irreversible electroporation is a nonthermal ablative tool that uses direct electrical pulses to create irreversible membrane pores and cell death. The ablation zone is surrounded by a zone of reversibly increased permeability; either zone can cause cardiac arrhythmias. Our purpose was to establish a safety profile for the use of irreversible electroporation close to the heart. MATERIALS And
The effect of unsynchronized and synchronized (with the R wave on ECG) irreversible electroporation in swine lung and myocardium was studied in 11 pigs. Twelve lead ECG recordings were analyzed by an electrophysiologist for the presence of arrhythmia. Ventricular arrhythmias were categorized as major events. Minor events included all other dysrhythmias or ECG changes. Cardiac and lung tissue was submitted for histopathologic analysis. Electrical field modeling was performed to predict the distance from the applicators over which cells show electroporation-induced increased permeability.
At less than or equal to 1.7 cm from the heart, fatal (major) events occurred with all unsynchronized irreversible electroporation. No major and three minor events were seen with synchronized irreversible electroporation. At more than 1.7 cm from the heart, two minor events occurred with only unsynchronized irreversible electroporation. Electrical field modeling correlates well with the clinical results, revealing increased cell membrane permeability up to 1.7 cm away from the applicators. Complete lung ablation without intervening live cells was seen. No myocardial injury was seen.
Unsynchronized irreversible electroporation close to the heart can cause fatal ventricular arrhythmias. Synchronizing irreversible electroporation pulse delivery with absolute refractory period avoids significant cardiac arrhythmias.
American Journal of Roentgenology 03/2011; 196(3):W330-5. · 2.78 Impact Factor
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Circulation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology 02/2011; 4(1):115-6. · 6.46 Impact Factor
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Timm Dickfeld,
Jing Tian,
Ghada Ahmad,
Alejandro Jimenez,
Aharon Turgeman,
Richard Kuk,
Matthew Peters,
Anastasios Saliaris,
Magdi Saba,
Stephen Shorofsky,
Jean Jeudy
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ABSTRACT: Substrate-guided ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with implanted cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) relies on voltage mapping to define the scar and border zone. An integrated 3D scar reconstruction from late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) MRI could facilitate VT ablations.
Twenty-two patients with ICD underwent contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI with a specific absorption rate of <2.0 W/kg before VT ablation. Device interrogation demonstrated unchanged ICD parameters immediately before, after, or at 68±21 days follow-up (P>0.05). ICD imaging artifacts were most prominent in the anterior wall and allowed full and partial assessment of LGE in 9±4 and 12±3 of 17 segments, respectively. In 14 patients with LGE, a 3D scar model was reconstructed and successfully registered with the clinical mapping system (accuracy, 3.9±1.8 mm). Using receiver operating characteristic curves, bipolar and unipolar voltages of 1.49 and 4.46 mV correlated best with endocardial MRI scar. Scar visualization allowed the elimination of falsely low voltage recordings (suboptimal catheter contact) in 4.1±1.9% of <1.5-mV mapping points. Display of scar border zone allowed identification of excellent pace mapping sites, with only limited voltage mapping in 64% of patients. Viable endocardium of >2 mm resulted in >1.5-mV voltage recordings despite up to 63% transmural midmyocardial scar successfully ablated with MRI guidance. All successful ablation sites demonstrated LGE (transmurality, 68±26%) and were located within 10 mm of transition zones to 0% to 25% scar in 71%.
Contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI can be safely performed in selected patients with ICDs and allows the integration of detailed 3D scar maps into clinical mapping systems, providing supplementary anatomic guidance to facilitate substrate-guided VT ablations.
Circulation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology 01/2011; 4(2):172-84. · 6.46 Impact Factor
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Jing Tian,
Jean Jeudy,
Mark F Smith,
Alejandro Jimenez,
Xianghua Yin,
Patricia A Bruce,
Peng Lei,
Aharon Turgeman,
Aharon Abbo,
Raj Shekhar,
Magdi Saba,
Stephen Shorofsky, Timm Dickfeld
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ABSTRACT: Advances in contrast-enhanced multidetector CT enable detailed characterization of the left ventricular myocardium. Myocardial scar and border zone (BZ), as the target of ventricular tachycardia ablations, displays abnormal anatomic, dynamic, and perfusion characteristics during first-pass CT. This study assessed how contrast-enhanced CT can predict voltage-defined scar and BZ and integrate its scar reconstructions into clinical mapping systems to guide ventricular tachycardia ablations.
Eleven patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy underwent contrast-enhanced CT before ventricular tachycardia ablation. Segmental anatomic (end-systolic and end-diastolic wall thickness), dynamic (wall thickening, wall motion), and perfusion (hypoenhancement) characteristics were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curves assessed the ability of CT to determine voltage-defined scar and BZ segments. Three-dimensional epi- and endocardial surfaces and scar borders were reconstructed, coregistered, and compared to voltages using a 17-segment model. Abnormal anatomic, dynamic, and perfusion data correlated well with abnormal (<1.5 mV) endocardial voltages (r=0.77). Three-dimensional reconstruction integrated into the clinical mapping system (registration accuracy, 3.31±0.52 mm) allowed prediction of homogenous abnormal voltage (<1.5 mV) in 81.7% of analyzed segments and correctly displayed transmural extent and intramural scar location. CT hypoperfusion correlated best with scar and BZ areas and encompassed curative ablations in 82% cases.
Anatomic, dynamic, and perfusion imaging using contrast-enhanced CT allows characterization of left ventricular anatomy and 3D scar and BZ substrate. Integration of reconstructed 3D data sets into clinical mapping systems supplements information of voltage mapping and may enable new image approaches for substrate-guided ventricular tachycardia ablation.
Circulation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology 10/2010; 3(5):496-504. · 6.46 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We describe a case of pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) interaction in a single system causing failure to detect induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) in an 83-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy. He underwent an ICD generator replacement due to battery depletion. In addition, a right atrial lead was placed to treat symptomatic bradycardia. Appropriate sensing and pacing parameters were observed in both leads during implant, and there was no cross-talk between the leads. A defibrillation threshold (DFT) test was performed (sense 1.5 mV, shock on T) with induction of VF that was not detected by the device, ultimately requiring an external defibrillation to terminate the arrhythmia. The device printout during testing showed atrial/ventricular lead cross-talk caused by the 1.1-J shock to induce VF, sensed beats in the noise window activating the noise suppression algorithm and preventing initial VF detection, and recurrent resetting of the automatic gain control due to ventricular sensing of the atrial pacing artifact preventing detection and perpetuating atrioventricular (AV) pacing at a rate of 60 bpm. In conclusion, pacemaker/ICD interaction can occur in a dual-chamber ICD system. This can be prevented by programming a shorter AV delay, increasing sensitivity (i.e., more sensitive value), and programming a pause before initiating pacing after an ICD discharge.
Heart rhythm: the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society 04/2010; 7(8):1157-60. · 4.56 Impact Factor
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Heart rhythm: the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society 07/2009; 6(6):825-8. · 4.56 Impact Factor
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Jing Tian,
Mark F Smith,
Ponraj Chinnadurai,
Vasken Dilsizian,
Aharon Turgeman,
Aharon Abbo,
Kalpitkumar Gajera,
Chenyang Xu,
Daniel Plotnick,
Robert Peters,
Magdi Saba,
Stephen Shorofsky, Timm Dickfeld
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ABSTRACT: Integration of 3D PET with Voltage Map for VT Ablation. Background: Image integration has the potential to display three-dimensional (3D) scar anatomy and facilitate substrate characterization for ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. However, the current generation of clinical mapping systems cannot display 3D left ventricle (LV) anatomy with embedded 3D scar reconstructions or allow display of border zone and high-resolution anatomic scar features. Objective: This study reports the first clinical experience with a mapping system allowing an integrated display of 3D LV anatomy with detailed 2D/3D scar and border zone reconstruction. Methods: Ten patients scheduled for VT ablation underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and Rubidium-82 perfusion/F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose metabolic Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging to reconstruct 3D LV and scar anatomy. LV and scar models were co-registered using a 3D mapping system and analyzed with a 17-segment model. Metabolic thresholding was used to reconstruct the 3D border zone. Real-time display of CT images was performed during ablation. Results: Co-registration (error 4.3 +/- 0.7 mm) allowed simultaneous visualization of 3D LV anatomy and embedded scar and guided additional voltage mapping. Segments containing homogenous or partial scar correlated in 94.4% and 85.7% between voltage maps and 3D PET scar reconstructions, respectively. Voltage-defined scar and normal myocardium had relative FDG uptakes of 40 +/- 13% and 89 +/- 30% (P < 0.05). The 3D border zone correlated best with a 46% metabolic threshold. Real-time display of registered high-resolution CT images allowed the simultaneous characterization of scar-related anatomic changes. Conclusion: Integration of PET/CT reconstruction allows simultaneous 3D display of myocardial scar and border zone embedded into the LV anatomy as well as the display of detailed scar anatomy. Multimodality imaging may enable a new image-guided approach to substrate-guided VT ablation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. pp. 1-8).
Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 12/2008; · 3.06 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Reentrant ventricular tachycardia is the next emerging frontier in electrophysiology. Current ablation strategies rely on endocardial voltage measurements to identify myocardial scar and guide catheter ablation procedures. However, this voltage mapping approach has several inherent limitations. In patients with structural heart disease, positron emission tomography (PET)/CT has the potential to provide supplementary scar characterization by displaying additional metabolic (by PET) and morphologic (by CT) tissue-specific information. Three-dimensional scar maps can be created from the imaging datasets, which are uploaded into clinical mapping systems, and can facilitate substrate-guided ablation procedures. This has the potential to shorten procedure times, decrease complications, and improve the procedural success.
Current Cardiology Reports 04/2008; 10(2):149-57.
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ABSTRACT: This study sought to assess the feasibility of deriving 3-dimensional (3D) scar maps from positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) hybrid imaging and to integrate those into clinical mapping systems to assist in ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablations.
Ablation strategies for nonidiopathic VT are increasingly based on the anatomic information of the scar and its border zone. However, the current "gold standard" of voltage mapping is limited by its inability to accurately describe a complex 3D scar morphology, its imperfect spatial resolution, and prolonged procedure times.
Fourteen patients underwent PET/CT multimodality imaging before the VT ablation. We used PET/CT-derived scar maps to characterize myocardial scar using a 17-segment analysis and surface reconstruction. In 10 patients, reconstructed 3D metabolic scar maps were integrated into a clinical mapping system and compared with high-resolution voltage maps.
A good correlation was found between the voltage maps and PET/CT-derived scar maps (r = 0.89; r < 0.05). In addition, 3D metabolic scar maps accurately displayed endocardial and epicardial surface and could be successfully integrated with a registration error of 3.7 +/- 0.7 mm. A combination of visual alignment and surface registration was most accurate for myocardial scar accounting for </=15% of the left ventricular surface. Scar size, location, and border zone accurately predicted high-resolution voltage map findings (r = 0.87; p < 0.05). Integrated scar maps revealed metabolically active channels within the myocardial scar not detected by voltage mapping and correctly predicted non-transmural scar despite normal endocardial voltage recordings. Areas of low voltage within wall segments displaying preserved metabolic activity were shown to be due to suboptimal catheter contact and prevented unnecessary ablation lesions.
We found that PET/CT fusion imaging is able to accurately assess left ventricular scar and its border zone. The integration of a 3D scar map into a clinical mapping system is feasible and may allow supplementary scar characterization that is not available from voltage maps. This technique could significantly facilitate substrate-based VT ablations.
JACC. Cardiovascular imaging 02/2008; 1(1):73-82. · 14.29 Impact Factor
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Hiroshi Ashikaga,
Tetsuo Sasano,
Jun Dong,
M Muz Zviman,
Robert Evers,
Bruce Hopenfeld,
Valeria Castro,
Robert H Helm, Timm Dickfeld,
Saman Nazarian,
J Kevin Donahue,
Ronald D Berger,
Hugh Calkins,
M Roselle Abraham,
Eduardo Marbán,
Albert C Lardo,
Elliot R McVeigh,
Henry R Halperin
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ABSTRACT: In catheter ablation of scar-related monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT), substrate voltage mapping is used to electrically define the scar during sinus rhythm. However, the electrically defined scar may not accurately reflect the anatomical scar. Magnetic resonance-based visualization of the scar may elucidate the 3D anatomical correlation between the fine structural details of the scar and scar-related VT circuits. We registered VT activation sequence with the 3D scar anatomy derived from high-resolution contrast-enhanced MRI in a swine model of chronic myocardial infarction using epicardial sock electrodes (n=6, epicardial group), which have direct contact with the myocardium where the electrical signal is recorded. In a separate group of animals (n=5, endocardial group), we also assessed the incidence of endocardial reentry in this model using endocardial basket catheters. Ten to 12 weeks after myocardial infarction, sustained monomorphic VT was reproducibly induced in all animals (n=11). In the epicardial group, 21 VT morphologies were induced, of which 4 (19.0%) showed epicardial reentry. The reentry isthmus was characterized by a relatively small volume of viable myocardium bound by the scar tissue at the infarct border zone or over the infarct. In the endocardial group (n=5), 6 VT morphologies were induced, of which 4 (66.7%) showed endocardial reentry. In conclusion, MRI revealed a scar with spatially complex structures, particularly at the isthmus, with substrate for multiple VT morphologies after a single ischemic episode. Magnetic resonance-based visualization of scar morphology would potentially contribute to preprocedural planning for catheter ablation of scar-related, unmappable VT.
Circulation Research 11/2007; 101(9):939-47. · 9.49 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to visualize radiofrequency (RF) ablations, which have become the preferred strategy for treatment of many arrhythmias. However, MRI patterns after RF ablation have not been well investigated.
The purpose of this study was to define the characteristic appearance and the effect of time and energy on noncontrast-enhanced MRI of RF ablation.
Using a power-controlled, cooled-tip ablation system, RF ablation lesions (5-50 W for 45 seconds) were created on the right ventricular epicardium in 10 mongrel dogs. T1- and T2-weighted MR images were obtained during 12-hour follow-up and compared with gross anatomy and histopathology.
Lesions were successfully visualized with T2- and T1-weighted images 30 minutes to 12 hours after RF ablation. T2 images were more consistent and displayed a characteristic elliptical, high-signal core (contrast-to-noise-ratio [CNR] = 18.9 +/- 8.4) with a surrounding 0.5-mm low-intensity rim that on histopathology corresponded to the central tissue necrosis and the transition zone, respectively. T1 images showed a less remarked increase in signal intensity (CNR = 9.6 +/- 7.4) without a surrounding rim. Lesion size and appearance were well defined and unchanged during the 12-hour follow-up (analysis of variance). CNR was independent of applied RF energy and allowed accurate assessment of RF ablation at all time points (r = 0.87 and r = 0.83 for T2 and T1 images, respectively). Transmural lesions, interlesional gaps, and intralesional pathology could be reliably predicted in >90%.
Noncontrast-enhanced MRI allows accurate assessment of RF ablation and its intralesional pathology during 12-hour follow-up. This finding confirms a possible role of MRI in guiding and evaluating RF application during electrophysiologic ablation procedures.
Heart Rhythm 02/2007; 4(2):208-14. · 4.10 Impact Factor
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Jun Dong, Timm Dickfeld,
Darshan Dalal,
Aamir Cheema,
Chandrasekhar R Vasamreddy,
Charles A Henrikson,
Joseph E Marine,
Henry R Halperin,
Ronald D Berger,
Joao A C Lima,
David A Bluemke,
Hugh Calkins
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ABSTRACT: No prior studies have reported the use of integrated electroanatomic mapping with preacquired magnetic resonance/computed tomographic (MR/CT) images to guide catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a series of patients.
Sixteen consecutive patients with drug-refractory AF underwent catheter ablation under the guidance of a three-dimensional (3D) electroanatomic mapping system (Carto, Biosense Webster, Inc., Diamond Bar, CA, USA). Gadolinium-enhanced MR (n = 8) or contrast-enhanced high-resolution CT (n = 8) imaging was performed within 1 day prior to the ablation procedures. Using a novel software package (CartoMerge, Biosense Webster, Inc.), the left atrium (LA) with pulmonary veins (PVs) was segmented and extracted for image registration. The segmented 3D MR/CT LA reconstruction was accurately registered to the real-time mapping space with a combination of landmark registration and surface registration. The registered 3D MR/CT LA reconstruction was successfully used to guide deployment of RF applications encircling the PVs. Upon completion of the circumferential lesions around the PVs, 32% of the PVs were electrically isolated. Guided by a circular mapping catheter, the remaining PVs were disconnected from the LA using a segmental approach. The distance between the surface of the registered 3D MR/CT LA reconstruction and multiple electroanatomic map points was 3.05 +/- 0.41 mm. No complications were observed.
Three-dimensional MR/CT images can be successfully extracted and registered to anatomically guided clinical AF ablations. The display of detailed and accurate anatomic information during the procedure enables tailored RF ablation to individual PV and LA anatomy.
Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 06/2006; 17(5):459-66. · 3.06 Impact Factor
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Zayd A Eldadah,
Boaz Rosen,
Ilan Hay,
Thor Edvardsen,
Vinod Jayam, Timm Dickfeld,
Glenn R Meininger,
Daniel P Judge,
Joshua Hare,
Joao B Lima,
Hugh Calkins,
Ronald D Berger
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ABSTRACT: RV pacing induces conduction delay (CD), mechanical dyssynchrony, and increased morbidity in patients with HF. CRT improves HF symptoms and survival, but sparse data exist on its direct effect on chronically RV-paced HF patients.
To assess the benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in chronically right ventricle (RV)-paced heart failure (HF) patients.
We studied 12 consecutive patients with class III HF who had a previously implanted pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. These individuals were chronically RV paced and referred for upgrade to a biventricular device by their primary cardiologists. Tissue Doppler and strain rate imaging (TDI and SRI, respectively) were performed immediately before each upgrade and 4-6 weeks afterward to quantify changes in regional wall motion and synchrony with CRT.
CRT significantly reduced the mean QRS duration (205 ms to 156 ms; P<.0001), and it increased the ejection fraction (30.7%+/-5.1% to 35.8%+/-5.1%; P<.01). Left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions were also significantly reduced. Clinically, patients improved by an average of one New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class after upgrade (P = .006). The parameter exhibiting greatest improvement was the coefficient of variation (CoV: standard deviation/mean) of time to peak systolic strain rate, a marker of ventricular dyssynchrony, which decreased from 34.3%+/-13.0% to 19.0%+/-6.6% (P<.01). Reduction in CoV of time to peak systolic strain rate was maximally seen in the midventricle (38.2%+/-19.6% to 16.5%+/-9.7%; P<.01).
Upgrading chronically RV-paced HF patients to CRT improves global and regional systolic function. TDI and SRI provide compelling evidence that this benefit parallels that seen in HF patients with CD unrelated to RV pacing, which implies that biventricular pacing synchronizes mechanical activation in different myocardial regions in patients upgraded from RV pacing as well.
Heart Rhythm 04/2006; 3(4):435-42. · 4.10 Impact Factor
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Timm Dickfeld,
Ritsushi Kato,
Menekhem Zviman,
Shenghan Lai,
Glenn Meininger,
Albert C Lardo,
Ariel Roguin,
David Blumke,
Ronald Berger,
Hugh Calkins,
Henry Halperin
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ABSTRACT: This study was designed to evaluate the characteristics of gadolinium-enhanced imaging of radiofrequency ablations.
Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used successfully to evaluate tissue necrosis after myocardial infarction. In electrophysiology, radiofrequency energy is used to create a targeted myocardial necrosis for the treatment of various arrhythmias.
Using a power-controlled, cooled-tip 7-F catheter system, radiofrequency lesions (10 to 40 W for 30 s) were created on the epicardium of the right ventricle in eight mongrel dogs. After injection of 0.225 mmol/kg gadolinium, T1-weighted fast gradient echo images were obtained during a follow-up of 10 h using an intrathoracic high-resolution coil. Radiofrequency ablations were analyzed on the MR images and compared with gross anatomy and histopathology.
Four distinct phases of signal enhancement were observed. After gadolinium injection, radiofrequency lesions were delineated clearly as contrast-free areas of low signal intensity (contrast-to-noise ratio [CNR] = -21.1 +/- 19.8). Signal enhancement in the lesion periphery started 4.0 +/- 1.8 min after injection and progressively extended toward the lesion center at a rate of 0.02 mm/min. Full delayed enhancement was observed after 98 +/- 21 min (CNR = +17.8 +/- 9.0). During the follow-up period, CNR started to decrease, but the lesions were detectable for as long as 10 h of follow-up. During the first three phases of enhancement, MRI correlated well with the pathological findings (r = 0.88, r = 0.88, and r = 0.86 [p < 0.001], respectively).
Radiofrequency ablation can be evaluated accurately by using gadolinium-enhanced MRI, which may allow the noninvasive assessment of procedural success. The dissimilar wash-in and wash-out kinetics compared with myocardial infarction suggest a different pathophysiological process with complete loss of microvasculature.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology 02/2006; 47(2):370-8. · 14.16 Impact Factor
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Jun Dong,
Hugh Calkins,
Stephen B Solomon,
Shenghan Lai,
Darshan Dalal,
Albert C Lardo,
Al Lardo,
Erez Brem,
Assaf Preiss,
Ronald D Berger,
Henry Halperin, Timm Dickfeld
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ABSTRACT: New ablation strategies for atrial fibrillation or nonidiopathic ventricular tachycardia are increasingly based on anatomic consideration and require the placement of ablation lesions at the correct anatomic locations. This study sought to evaluate the accuracy of the first clinically available image integration system for catheter ablation on 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images in real time.
After midline sternotomy, 2.3-mm CT fiducial markers were attached to the epicardial surface of each cardiac chamber in 9 mongrel dogs. Detailed 3D cardiac anatomy was reconstructed from contrast-enhanced, high-resolution CT images and registered to the electroanatomic maps of each cardiac chamber. To assess accuracy, targeted ablations were performed at each of the fiducial markers guided only by the reconstructed 3D images. At autopsy, the position error was 1.9+/-0.9 mm for the right atrium, 2.7+/-1.2 mm for the right ventricle, 1.8+/-1.0 mm for the left atrium, and 2.3+/-1.1 mm for the left ventricle. To evaluate the system's guidance of more complex clinical ablation strategies, ablations of the cavotricuspid isthmus (n=4), fossa ovalis (n=4), and pulmonary veins (n=6) were performed, which resulted in position errors of 1.8+/-1.5, 2.2+/-1.3, and 2.1+/-1.2 mm, respectively. Retrospective analysis revealed that a combination of landmark registration and the target chamber surface registration resulted in <3 mm accuracy in all 4 cardiac chambers.
Image integration with high-resolution 3D CT allows accurate placement of anatomically guided ablation lesions and can facilitate complex ablation strategies. This may provide significant advantages for anatomically based procedures such as ablation of atrial fibrillation and nonidiopathic ventricular tachycardia.
Circulation 01/2006; 113(2):186-94. · 14.74 Impact Factor
