Review
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World J Cardiol. Jan 26, 2011; 3(1): 32-39
Published online Jan 26, 2011. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v3.i1.32
Future easy and physiological cardiac pacing
Eraldo Occhetta, Miriam Bortnik, Paolo Marino
Eraldo Occhetta, Miriam Bortnik, Paolo Marino, Division of Cardiology, “Maggiore della Carità” Hospital, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to this work.
Correspondence to: Dr. Eraldo Occhetta, Division of Cardiology, “Maggiore della Carità” Hospital, University of Eastern Piedmont, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100 Novara, Italy. eraldo.occhetta@maggioreosp.novara.it
Telephone: +39-321-3733413 Fax: +39-321-3733142
Received: May 19, 2010
Revised: November 24, 2010
Accepted: December 1, 2010
Published online: January 26, 2011
Abstract

The right atrial appendage (RAA) and right ventricular apex (RVA) have been widely considered as conventional sites for typical dual-chamber atrio-ventricular cardiac (DDD) pacing. Unfortunately conventional RAA pacing seems not to be able to prevent atrial fibrillation in DDD pacing for tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome, and the presence of a left bundle branch type of activation induced by RVA pacing can have negative effects. A new technology with active screw-in leads permits a more physiological atrial and right ventricular pacing. In this review, we highlight the positive effects of pacing of these new and easily selected sites. The septal atrial lead permits a shorter and more homogeneous atrial activation, allowing better prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The para-Hisian pacing can be achieved in a simpler and more reliable way with respect to biventricular pacing and direct Hisian pacing. We await larger trials to consider this “easy and physiological pacing” as a first approach in patients who need a high frequency of pacing.

Keywords: Cardiac pacing; Atrial septum; Parahisian pacing