A left bundle branch block activation sequence and ventricular pacing influence voltage amplitudes: an in vivo and in silico study

[No Value] Uyen Chau Nguyen*, Mark Potse, Kevin Vernooy, Masih Mafi-Rad, Jordi Heijman, Maria Luce Caputo, Giulio Conte, Francois Regoli, Rolf Krause, Tiziano Moccetti, Angelo Auricchio, Frits W. Prinzen, Francesco Maffessanti

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the activation sequence on voltage amplitudes by evaluating regional voltage differences during a left bundle branch block (LBBB) activation sequence vs. a normal synchronous activation sequence and by evaluating pacing-induced voltage differences.

Methods and results Twenty-one patients and three computer models without scar were studied. Regional voltage amplitudes were evaluated in nine LBBB patients who underwent endocardial electro-anatomic mapping (EAM). Pacing-induced voltage differences were evaluated in 12 patients who underwent epicardial EAM during intrinsic rhythm and right ventricular (RV) pacing. Three computer models customized for LBBB patients were created. Changes in voltage amplitudes after an LBBB (intrinsic), a normal synchronous, an RV pacing, and a left ventricular pacing activation sequence were assessed in the computer models. Unipolar voltage amplitudes in patients were approximately 4.5mV (4.4-4.7 mV, similar to 33%) lower in the septum when compared with other segments. A normal synchronous activation sequence in the computer models normalized voltage amplitudes in the septum. Pacing-induced differences were larger in electrograms with higher voltage amplitudes during intrinsic rhythm and furthermore larger and more variable at the epicardium [mean absolute difference: 3.6-6.2 mV, 40-53% of intrinsic value; interquartile range (IQR) differences: 53-63% of intrinsic value] compared to the endocardium (mean absolute difference: 3.3-3.8 mV, 28-30% of intrinsic value; IQR differences: 37-40% of intrinsic value).

Conclusion In patients and computer models without scar, lower septal unipolar voltage amplitudes are exclusively associated with an LBBB activation sequence. Pacing substantially affects voltage amplitudes, particularly at the epicardium.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)77-86
Number of pages10
JournalEP Europace
Volume20
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2018
Event9th Theo Rossi di Montelera (TRM) Forum on Computer Simulation and Experimental Assessment of Cardiac Function: From Model to Clinical Outcome - Ctr Computat Med Cardiol, Lugano, SWITZERLAND, Lugano, Switzerland
Duration: 4 Dec 20175 Dec 2017

Keywords

  • Voltage amplitude
  • Intra-cardiac electrogram
  • Heart failure
  • Left bundle branch block
  • Activation sequence
  • Computer models
  • Anisotropy
  • CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY
  • HEART-FAILURE
  • CONDUCTION
  • PROPAGATION
  • MODEL

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