Optimizing "delay period" for burst stimulation in dynamic cardiomyoplasty.

Hemodynamic evidence of systolic assist after dynamic cardiomyoplasty remains inconsistent. One of the relevant factors may be how the burst stimulator is programmed. In 3 patients who underwent cardiomyoplasty for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, we examined the modes used to determine the delay period between the R-wave sensing and the onset of burst stimulation during cardiac systole. These modes include the fixed time mode, the valve-synchronized mode, and the flow-optimized mode. The rationale for choosing these modes and the benefits conferred by each are discussed.