Can We Use the Intrinsic Left Ventricular Delay (QLV) to Optimize the Pacing Configuration for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy With a Quadripolar Left Ventricular Lead?

BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicated the importance of the intrinsic left ventricular (LV) electric delay (QLV) for optimal benefit to cardiac resynchronization therapy. We investigated the use of QLV for achieving optimal acute hemodynamic response to cardiac resynchronization therapy with a quadripolar LV lead. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-eight heart failure patients with a left bundle branch block were prospectively enrolled (31 men; age, 66+/-10 years; LV ejection fraction, 28+/-8%; QRS duration, 176+/-14 ms). Immediately after cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation, invasive LV pressure-volume loops were recorded during biventricular pacing with each separate electrode at 4 atrioventricular delays. Acute cardiac resynchronization therapy response, measured as change in stroke work (Delta%SW) compared with intrinsic conduction, was related to intrinsic interval between Q on the ECG and LV sensing delay (QLV), normalized for QRS duration (QLV/QRSd), and electrode position. QLV/QRSd was 84+/-9% and variation between the 4 electrodes 9+/-5%. Delta%SW was 89+/-64% and varied by 39+/-36% between the electrodes. In univariate analysis, an anterolateral or lateral electrode position and a high QLV/QRSd had a significant association with a large Delta%SW (all P <0.01). In a combined model, only QLV/QRSd remained significantly associated with Delta%SW (P