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Localization of pacing and defibrillator leads using standard x-ray views is frequently inaccurate and is not reproducible

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Abstract

Purpose

While the accuracy of roentography for evaluation of lead tip position compared with three-dimensional imaging techniques has been well described, there remains considerable variability in the interpretation of the reproducibility of standard x-ray for right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) lead position. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) lead tip position as determined by board-certified cardiac electrophysiologists (EP) using standard x-ray views.

Methods

EP interpretations of RV and LV lead tip position using standard x-ray views (posterior-anterior, lateral, and left anterior oblique) were compared to thoracic computed tomography (CT). The accuracy of x-ray interpretation was compared to the reference CT location, and the reproducibility of x-ray interpretation was tested using the free-marginal Kappa statistic.

Results

A total of 58 EPs were invited to participate in the survey with a response rate of 43 % (25/58). The agreement between x-ray and CT lead tip position (accuracy) was 37 % for RV lead, 33 % for longitudinal LV lead, and 41 % for short axis LV lead. Reproducibility was 64 % for RV lead tip (k = 0.46), 58 % for longitudinal LV lead tip (k = 0.37), and 39 % for short axis LV lead tip (k = 0.24).

Conclusions

Conventional roentography is limited in its ability to accurately and reliably determine pacing lead tip position.

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Abbreviations

CRT:

Cardiac resynchronization therapy

PA:

Posterior-anterior

LAO:

Left anterior oblique

RV:

Right ventricle

LV:

Left ventricle

CT:

Computed tomography

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Acknowledgments

Larry R Jackson II: concept/design, data analysis/interpretation, drafting article, critical revision of article, approval of article

Jonathan P. Piccini Sr.: concept/design, data analysis/interpretation, drafting article, critical revision of article, approval of article

Lynne Hurwitz Koweek: concept/design, data analysis/interpretation, critical revision of article, approval of article

James P. Daubert: concept/design, critical revision of article, approval of article

Brett D. Atwater: concept/design, data analysis/interpretation, drafting article, critical revision of article, approval of article

Ethics

This study is a retrospective analysis of previously collected data. No patient information was obtained for the purposes of this study.

Funding

This work was not supported by any specific funding source.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27705, USA

    Larry R. Jackson II, Jonathan P. Piccini Sr., James P. Daubert & Brett D. Atwater

  2. Duke Clinical Research Institute, 2400 Pratt Street, Suite 7009, Durham, NC, 27705, USA

    Larry R. Jackson II, Jonathan P. Piccini Sr. & James P. Daubert

  3. Section of Cardiothoracic Imaging, Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA

    Lynne M. Hurwitz Koweek

  4. Durham Veterans Administration Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA

    Brett D. Atwater

  5. 7451 Duke North Hospital, DUMC 3174, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    James P. Daubert & Brett D. Atwater

  6. 7451 Duke North Hospital, DUMC 3808, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Lynne M. Hurwitz Koweek

Authors
  1. Larry R. Jackson II
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  2. Jonathan P. Piccini Sr.
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Correspondence to Larry R. Jackson II.

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Jackson, L.R., Piccini, J.P., Daubert, J.P. et al. Localization of pacing and defibrillator leads using standard x-ray views is frequently inaccurate and is not reproducible. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 43, 5–12 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-015-9984-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-015-9984-5

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