Pacing from the right ventricular septum: is there a danger to the coronary arteries?
BACKGROUND
Pacing from right ventricular (RV) septal sites has been suggested as an alternative to RV apical pacing in an attempt to avoid long-term adverse consequences on left ventricular function. Concern has been raised as to the relationship of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) to pacing leads in these positions.


RESULTS
We retrospectively analyzed three cases in which patients with RV active-fixation leads in situ also had coronary angiography. Multiple fluoroscopic views were used to determine the relationship of the lead tip at various pacing sites to the coronary arteries. A lead placed on the anterior wall was in close proximity to the LAD, whereas septal and free wall positioning was not.


CONCLUSIONS
Placement of RV active-fixation leads on the septum avoids potential coronary artery compromise.
Teh
Andrew W
AW
Department of Cardiology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Medi
Caroline
C
Rosso
Raphael
R
Lee
Geoffrey
G
Gurvitch
Ronen
R
Mond
Harry G
HG
D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000293:injuries*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006346:Heart Septum / Q000601:surgery*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000209:etiology*