Mid-term feasibility, safety and outcomes of left bundle branch pacing-single center experience.

BACKGROUND: His bundle pacing (HBP) has evolved as the most physiological form of pacing but associated with limitations. Recently, left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is emerging as an effective alternative strategy for HBP.

OBJECTIVES: Our study was designed to assess the feasibility, efficacy, electrophysiological parameters, and mid-term outcomes of LBBP in Indian population.

METHODS: All patients requiring permanent pacemaker implantation for symptomatic bradycardia and heart failure were prospectively enrolled. Echocardiography, QRS duration, pacing parameters, left bundle (LB) potentials, paced QRS duration, and peak left ventricular activation time (pLVAT) were recorded.

RESULTS: LBBP was successful in 93 out of 99 patients (94% acute success). Mean age was 62.6 ± 13 years, male 59%, diabetes 69%, and coronary artery disease 65%. Follow-up duration was 4.8 months (range1-12 months). Indication for pacing included atrioventricular (AV) block 43%, cardiac resynchronization therapy 44%, and AV node ablation 4%. LB potential was noted in 37 patients (40%). QRS duration reduced from 144.38 ± 34.6 at baseline to 110.8 ± 12.4 ms after LBBP (p < 0.0001). Pacing threshold was 0.59 ± 0.22 V and sensed R wave 14.14 ± 7.19 mV, and it remained stable during follow-up. Lead depth in the septum was 9.62 mm. LV ejection fraction increased from 44.96 to 53.3% after LBBP (p < 0.0001). One died due to respiratory tract infection on follow up.

CONCLUSION: LBBP is a safe and effective strategy (94% acute success) of physiological pacing. The pacing parameters remained stable over a period of 12 months follow-up. LBBP can effectively overcome the limitations of HBP.