Optimal Coronary Sinus Lead Implantation Using Intracardiac Impedography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Despite the dramatic effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on survival and morbidity in people with congestive heart failure, 50-70% of eligible patients do not respond to this intervention. There is retrospective evidence that placement of the left ventricular (LV) lead at the region of latest mechanical delay markedly improves response to CRT. However, there is no feasible way to gauge dyssynchrony at LV lead sites during CRT implantation. Impedance recordings from pacing lead tips allow for real-time assessment of mechanical motion and may represent a useful intraoperative tool to guide optimum placement of the LV lead during CRT implantation. This pilot trial will assess the use of intraoperative impedograms in humans to measure regional dyssynchrony at potential LV lead locations during CRT implantation.