INTRODUCTION: Recent clinical data support the utility of left heart pacing. The transvenous approach for left heart pacing lead implantation is imperfect. A direct epicardial approach may have advantages, but heretofore its utility has been limited because of the requirement for thoracotomy. We sought to examine the feasibility of a method for epicardial lead implantation that did not require thoracotomy. METHODS AND RESULTS: In five large swine, percutaneous access to the epicardium was achieved with subxiphoid videopericardioscopy, using a device that marries endoscopy with a port through which pacing leads could be introduced. In each animal, standard, active fixation pacing leads were implanted onto the left atrium and ventricle. The atrial lead was implanted at the base of the appendage. The ventricular lead was implanted on the anterior, lateral, and inferior walls. Continuous direct visualization of the epicardium provided guidance for lead localization and fixation, including avoidance of complications such as trauma to epicardial coronary vessels. Capture thresholds were uniformly low. Postmortem examination demonstrated anatomically accurate, uncomplicated lead fixation. CONCLUSION: Using subxiphoid videopericardioscopy, uncomplicated, anatomically accurate left heart epicardial pacing lead implantation can be achieved without thoracotomy.
INTRODUCTION: Recent clinical data support the utility of left heart pacing. The transvenous approach for left heart pacing lead implantation is imperfect. A direct epicardial approach may have advantages, but heretofore its utility has been limited because of the requirement for thoracotomy. We sought to examine the feasibility of a method for epicardial lead implantation that did not require thoracotomy. METHODS AND RESULTS: In five large swine, percutaneous access to the epicardium was achieved with subxiphoid videopericardioscopy, using a device that marries endoscopy with a port through which pacing leads could be introduced. In each animal, standard, active fixation pacing leads were implanted onto the left atrium and ventricle. The atrial lead was implanted at the base of the appendage. The ventricular lead was implanted on the anterior, lateral, and inferior walls. Continuous direct visualization of the epicardium provided guidance for lead localization and fixation, including avoidance of complications such as trauma to epicardial coronary vessels. Capture thresholds were uniformly low. Postmortem examination demonstrated anatomically accurate, uncomplicated lead fixation. CONCLUSION: Using subxiphoid videopericardioscopy, uncomplicated, anatomically accurate left heart epicardial pacing lead implantation can be achieved without thoracotomy.
Authors: Dirk W Donker; Jos G Maessen; Roel L H M G Spätjens; Theo van der Nagel; Monique de Jong; Frans C Ramaekers; Harry J G M Crijns; Marc A Vos; Paul G A Volders Journal: Pflugers Arch Date: 2007-05-16 Impact factor: 3.657
Authors: Takeyoshi Ota; Amir Degani; David Schwartzman; Brett Zubiate; Jeremy McGarvey; Howie Choset; Marco A Zenati Journal: Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc Date: 2008
Authors: Takeyoshi Ota; Nicholas A Patronik; David Schwartzman; Cameron N Riviere; Marco A Zenati Journal: Circulation Date: 2008-09-30 Impact factor: 29.690
Authors: Takeyoshi Ota; Amir Degani; David Schwartzman; Brett Zubiate; Jeremy McGarvey; Howie Choset; Marco A Zenati Journal: Ann Thorac Surg Date: 2009-04 Impact factor: 4.330