Effect of right ventricular septal pacing and right ventricular apical pacing on heart functions in patients with complete atrioventricular block: a comparative study

AIM:To compare the effects of right ventricular septal pacing (RVSP) and right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP) on heart functions in patients with complete atrioventricular block (CAVB). METHODS: Eighty-seven CAVB patients with implanted pacemakers were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into RVSP group (n=45) and RVAP group (n=42). QRS duration, LVEDD, LVEF, SV, CI and ACI were measured before implantation and 6, 12 and 18 months after implantation. RESULTS: QRS duration in RVAP group was longer than in RVSP group (P<0.05). LVEF, SV and ACI in RVAP group decreased compared with those in RVSP group 12 months after implantation (P<0.05). LVEDD in RVAP group increased compared with that in RVSP group 18 months after implantation (P<0.05). CI in RVAP group decreased, but no significant difference was found between groups 18 months after implantation. CONCLUSION: Right ventricular septal pacing (RVSP) is good in protecting cardiac function in patients with CAVB compared with right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP).