TITLE:
Bipolar Leads for Prevention of Phrenic Nerve Stimulation: Results from the ORPHEE Observational Study
AUTHORS:
Henri Benkemoun, Maxime Pons, Luc Kubler, Hugues Bader, Antoine Dompnier, Cyrus Moini, Bérangère Leroy-Salaun, Nicolas Lellouche
KEYWORDS:
Phrenic Nerve Stimulation, Pacing Vectors, Left Ventricular Lead, Bipolar Lead, Quadripolar Lead
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases,
Vol.7 No.10,
October
19,
2017
ABSTRACT: Background: Up to one in three patients implanted with a cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) device experience phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS). Quadripolar leads are effective at reducing PNS, but compared to standard bipolar leads they have limitations related to maneuverability and high pacing thresholds. The ability of standard bipolar leads to overcome PNS is explored here. Methods: The French multicenter, observational study ORPHEE enrolled 90 CRT-D-eligible patients. Detection of PNS took place after satisfactory positioning of the LV bipolar lead (stable pacing threshold - LV ring, LV tip - RV ring and LV ring - RV coil) could prevent PNS from occurring in at least 90% of patients. Results: In 80 evaluable patients, PNS was reported in 12 patients (15%). Reprogramming overcame PNS in 10 patients: LV ring - RV coil in 8 patients; LV tip - LV ring in 1; and LV tip- RV ring in 1. As PNS was avoided in 78 of 80 patients (97.5%), the primary endpoint was significant (97.5% vs. 90%, p = 0.01). Conclusion: During CRT-D implantation, PNS occurred in 15% of patients. In most (97.5%) implanted patients, PNS could be avoided by vector reprogramming using a bipolar LV lead. For patients whose coronary sinus anatomy precludes the implantation of multi-electrode leads, bipolar leads are a suitable, reliable alternative.