Initial Experiences of Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing in Daegu, South Korea – New Procedure with Familiar Tools

Abstract

Implantation of a permanent pacemaker is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic bradycardia. Conventionally, ventricular lead is placed at the right ventricular (RV) muscles. Therefore, this causes interventricular dyssynchrony, and long-term high RV pacing (RVP) burden is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Hence, attempts to directly pace the cardiac conduction system have been made, and finally, a technique called left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has emerged. In our country, the clinical experience of LBBAP is in the early stages. Especially, LBBAP using standard stylet-driven leads (SDL), a major procedural method performed in our country, is also in the early stages, and there are only a few reports about this method worldwide. Herein, we are reporting our initial experiences of LBBAP with SDL. Compared to conventional RVP performed during the same period, LBBAP required an initial learning period a more extended procedure, and fluoroscopy time. However, the paced QRS duration was significantly shorter in the LBBAP group (LBBAP group 120.6 ± 13.0 msec, RVP group 165.2 ± 16.0 msec, <i>p</i> < 0.001). It is fascinating that simply adding a ventricular lead delivery sheath can create a whole new outcome, even at centers that are only familiar with the standard tools. Our experience will be helpful in arrhythmia centers that aim to start LBBAP for the first time.