Prospective Registry of Epicardial LV Leads Placed During Cardiac Surgery Procedures

Prospective Registry of Epicardial LV Leads Placed During Cardiac Surgery Procedures

The primary purpose of this study is to compare the time, risk and cost savings of 2 patient groups who receive FDA approved left ventricular pacing leads.

The purpose of this study is to: a) examine the usefulness of placing an epicardial LV lead at the time of open chest surgery in patients who are likely to benefit from a CRT system following their surgery; b) compare differences between patients who receive LV leads using the transvenous approach and those patients who receive LV leads using the epicardial approach; and c) assess the cost effectiveness of placing the LV lead via the transvenous versus the epicardial approaches.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Left ventricular ejection fraction < or = 35%
2. QRS duration greater than or = to 120ms
3. NYHA Functional Class 3 or 4
4. Age > or = to 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

1. No previous pacemaker or ICD implant
2. No permanent atrial fibrillation