Echocardiography-Guided Optimization of Atrioventricular and Interventricular Delay in Patients with Implanted Devices

Echocardiography is the primary imaging technique performed for optimal settings using many parameters. Following cardiac resynchronization therapy, optimization of the atrioventricular and intraventricular intervals provides additional benefits, improving mechanical dyssynchrony and left ventricular performance. The optimization of pacing parameters refers to the atrioventricular interval and the interventricular interval. Atrioventricular optimization is usually necessary in cardiac resynchronization therapy patients with stage two (pseudonormal) or stage three (restrictive) diastolic dysfunction. In patients with atrioventricular block, the adequate setting of the atrioventricular interval will maintain the contractile ventricular function and long-term prognosis. The interventricular optimization is less often necessary than the atrioventricular interval optimization.