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Behavior of AV synchrony pacing mode in a leadless pacemaker during variable AV conduction and arrhythmias
Author(s) -
Garweg Christophe,
Khelae Surinder Kaur,
Chan Joseph Yat Sun,
Chinitz Larry,
Ritter Philippe,
Johansen Jens Brock,
Sagi Venkata,
Epstein Laurence M.,
Piccini Jonathan P.,
Pascual Mario,
Mont Lluis,
Willems Rik,
Splett Vincent,
Stromberg Kurt,
Sheldon Todd,
Kristiansen Nina,
Steinwender Clemens
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.193
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1540-8167
pISSN - 1045-3873
DOI - 10.1111/jce.15061
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiology , ventricular pacing , atrial fibrillation , ventricular rate , anesthesia , heart failure , sinus rhythm
Abstract Introduction MARVEL 2 assessed the efficacy of mechanical atrial sensing by a ventricular leadless pacemaker, enabling a VDD pacing mode. The behavior of the enhanced MARVEL 2 algorithm during variable atrio‐ventricular conduction (AVC) and/or arrhythmias has not been characterized and is the focus of this study. Methods Of the 75 patients enrolled in the MARVEL 2 study, 73 had a rhythm assessment and were included in the analysis. The enhanced MARVEL 2 algorithm included a mode‐switching algorithm that automatically switches between VDD and ventricular only antibradycardia pacing (VVI)‐40 depending upon AVC status. Results Forty‐two patients (58%) had persistent third degree AV block (AVB), 18 (25%) had 1:1 AVC, 5 (7%) had variable AVC status, and 8 (11%) had atrial arrhythmias. Among the 42 patients with persistent third degree AVB, the median ventricular pacing (VP) percentage was 99.9% compared to 0.2% among those with 1:1 AVC. As AVC status changed, the algorithm switched to VDD when the ventricular rate dropped less than 40 bpm. During atrial fibrillation (AF) with ventricular response greater than 40 bpm, VVI‐40 mode was maintained. No pauses longer than 1500 ms were observed. Frequent ventricular premature beats reduced the percentage of AV synchrony. During AF, the atrial signal was of low amplitude and there was infrequent sensing. Conclusion The mode switching algorithm reduced VP in patients with 1:1 AVC and appropriately switched to VDD during AV block. No pacing safety issues were observed during arrhythmias.