Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: How Does It Compare to Biventricular Pacing in Terms of Electrocardiographic Parameters and Procedural Outcomes?
<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Biventricular pacing (BVP) to deliver cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a standard intervention for heart failure, yet suboptimal response remains common due to challenges in left ventricular (LV) lead placement. Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has emerged as a promising alternative, offering physiological activation via direct conduction system engagement. However, comparative data on electrocardiographic (ECG) and procedural outcomes between LBBAP-CRT and BVP-CRT are limited. <b>Methods</b>: This retrospective, single-center study compared LBBAP-CRT and BVP-CRT in 114 patients with left bundle branch block and LV ejection fraction ≤ 35%. LBBAP-CRT was performed using a Medtronic SelectSecure™ 3830 lead via a fixed-curve sheath Medtronic C315HIS, with successful capture confirmed by ECG criteria (Qr/qR in V1, LV activation time < 100 ms). BVP-CRT involved coronary sinus LV lead placement. Outcomes included QRS duration, pacing thresholds, complications, and procedural metrics. Statistical analysis employed logistic regression to identify predictors of optimal pacing thresholds (≤1.0 V at 0.5 ms). <b>Results</b>: LBBAP-CRT yielded greater degree of QRS narrowing than BVP-CRT (136.7 ± 13.5 ms vs. 147.2 ± 14.6 ms, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and lower pacing thresholds (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Complications occurred in 18.1% of BVP-CRT patients (phrenic nerve stimulation, lead dislocation) versus none in LBBAP-CRT (<i>p</i> = 0.011). According to the multivariable analysis LBBAP-CRT was associated with an optimal thresholds (<i>p</i> = 0.007), alongside lower E/e' ratio and lead impedance. <b>Conclusions</b>: LBBAP-CRT was associated with superior electrical resynchronization, fewer complications, and better pacing thresholds compared to BVP, suggesting its potential as a preferred CRT strategy. Larger randomized trials are needed to validate long-term outcomes.
Authors
- Т. A. Atabekov (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2645-4142)
- R. E. Batalov
- С. Н. Криволапов (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8121-8287)
- Sergey Popov
Institutions
- Tomsk National Research Medical Center (RU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Published
- 2025-12-26
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010200
- Primary Topic
- Cardiac pacing and defibrillation studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00