Published online Nov 26, 2015. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v7.i11.801
Peer-review started: February 9, 2015
First decision: June 4, 2015
Revised: September 9, 2015
Accepted: October 12, 2015
Article in press: October 13, 2015
Published online: November 26, 2015
Processing time: 294 Days and 11.5 Hours
Core tip: Optimization of sensed and paced atrio-ventricular (AV/PV) delay is required for better hemodynamics in patients with complete heart block (CHB). Aim of the present study was to compare the AV/PV delay optimization by echocardiography and intra-cardiac electrocardiogram (IEGM) based QuickOpt algorithm in patients with CHB. We prospectively enrolled 20 patients of CHB who were implanted with a dual chamber pacemaker. A velocity time-integral of left ventricular outflow tract was measured following AV/PV delay optimization by both echocardiography and QuickOpt algorithm method. An agreement between the two techniques was assessed by Bland-Altman analysis. Optimal AV and PV delay as assessed by echocardiography was 155.5 ± 14.68 ms and 122.5 ± 17.73 ms (P < 0.0001), respectively and by QuickOpt method was 167.5 ± 16.73 ms and 117.5 ± 9.10 ms (P < 0.0001), respectively. The time required for AV/PV optimization was 45.26 ± 1.73 min by echocardiography and 0.44 ± 0.08 min by QuickOpt method (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, automated programmer based IEGM method is a quick, easy and reliable alternative to echocardiography for optimization of AV/PV delay in CHB patients.