Clinical and procedural outcome of patients implanted with a quadripolar left ventricular lead: early results of a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest that cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with a quadripolar left ventricular (LV) lead results in low rates of dislocation and phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) acutely and at short-term follow-up. Confirmation of these results by long-term observational studies is needed.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term procedural and clinical outcomes of CRT patients implanted with a quadripolar LV lead.

METHODS

A total of 154 consecutive heart failure patients (79% men, age 68 ± 10 years) having CRT implantation attempts with a quadripolar LV lead were included in this observational registry. Demographic and clinical data were preoperatively collected, and patients were followed up for at least 6 months.

RESULTS

The overall implant success rate after coronary sinus cannulation was 97.4%. Mean overall duration and fluoroscopy time of successful procedures was 112 ± 22 and 16 ± 8 minutes, respectively, while 17 ± 13 minutes were necessary for the LV lead placement. After implant, the conventional bipolar configuration was used as the final pacing configuration in 33.3% of the patients. Four lead dislodgments (requiring reoperation) and 9 clinical PNS were reported during follow-up; reprogramming of the device was sufficient to prevent PNS in all patients. Once placed, the LV lead remained stable with excellent pacing thresholds during follow-up (15 ± 5 months). Overall, there were 71.3% CRT responders as assessed by 6-month echocardiography, and 66% improved at least 1 New York Heart Association class.

CONCLUSION

Over the longer term, CRT with the quadripolar LV lead is associated with excellent pacing thresholds, low rates of dislocations, and PNS.