Monitoring congestive heart failure by multi-vector cardiac impedance from implanted devices

Introduction: For monitoring pulmonary edema secondary to Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), we investigated trends of impedance between implanted electrodes. Methods: ICDs were implanted in 16 dogs and 5 sheep. Right ventricles were paced (230–250 bpm) for several weeks. Impedance was measured every hour along 4 intrathoracic, 2 intracardiac and 4 cardiogenic vectors. Cardiac function was assessed biweekly by catheterization and echocardiography. Left Atrial Pressure (LAP) was measured daily by an implanted sensor. Results: All animals developed CHF after 2–4 weeks of pacing (EF, 52 vs. 34%; LVEDV, 65 vs. 97 ml; LVEDP, 7 vs. 16 mm Hg; LAV, 17 vs. 33 ml; LAP, 7 vs. 26 mm Hg). Impedance decreased during CHF: LV-Can, 17 ± 9 % ; LV–RV, 15 ± 8 % ; LV–RA, 13 ± 6 % ; RV-Can, 13 ± 8 % ; RV coil -Can, 8 ± 6 % ; RA-Can, 6 ± 6 % . The LV-Can decrease was greatest and correlated well with LAP ( r 2 = 0.73 ). All impedances were associated with circadian variability at the baseline, which diminished during CHF ( 5 ± 2 % vs. 2 ± 1 % ). In CHF, cardiogenic impedances displayed reduced peak-to-peak amplitude and increased fractionation. Conclusions: As impedance decreased during CHF, left-heart trends were better correlated with LAP. Left-heart vectors may improve the detection of CHF compared to sensing by right-heart leads alone. This approach has important clinical implications for managing HF patients in ambulatory settings.