title: Video-assisted thoracoscopic left ventricular pacing in patients with and without previous sternotomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Left ventricular epicardial lead placement via video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) is a recognized surgical technique to achieve cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) when conventional lead placement has failed. Its role in patients with previous sternotomy is uncertain. We describe our experience in a cohort of patients including those with previous sternotomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing VAT lead implantation for CRT in a single center between 2004 and 2011. All patients fulfilled conventional criteria for CRT and were followed up at 4 to 6 weeks and then at 3-month intervals. Clinical and pacing parameters were compared at baseline and at the latest review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-two patients (27 men; mean age, 67 ± 9 years) underwent VAT left ventricular lead implantation. Mean follow-up duration was 704 ± 450 days. Ten patients (31%) had undergone previous sternotomy. Thoracoscopic lead implantation was successful in 31 patients (97%): 1 patient with two previous sternotomies required conversion to open thoracotomy due to bleeding with multiple adhesions. Satisfactory implantation pacing thresholds of 2 volts or less at 0.5 ms were achieved in all patients. Despite a longer operative time in those with previous sternotomy, all clinical and pacing outcomes, including complications, clinical response to CRT, and long-term pacing variables were similar between the groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  VAT left ventricular lead placement appears safe and effective in selected patients with previous sternotomy, including coronary artery bypass operations, with postoperative outcomes comparable with those patients without previous sternotomy.
authors: Division of Cardiothoracic Services, The James Cook University Hospital, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom. kenelson@doctors.net.uk
authors: Katharine E
authors: KE
authors: Nelson
authors: Matthew G D
authors: MG
authors: Bates
authors: Andrew J
authors: AJ
authors: Turley
authors: Nicholas J
authors: NJ
authors: Linker
authors: W Andrew
authors: WA
authors: Owens
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D056346:Sternotomy; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology*