Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing Versus Endocardial Resynchronization in
Patients with Heart Failure
Abstract
Background: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) and
endocardial resynchronization (Endo-CRT) are alternatives to
biventricular pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
Objective: To compare the outcomes of LBBAP vs. Endo-CRT using
conventional pacing leads. Methods: Patients with heart failure
(HF) undergoing CRT with LBBAP or Endo-CRT were included. The primary
efficacy outcome was a composite of HF-related hospitalization and
all-cause mortality. The primary safety outcome was any
procedure-related complication. Secondary outcomes included procedural
characteristics, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters.
Results: A total of 223 patients (LBBAP n=197, Endo-CRT n=26;
mean age 69±10.3 years, 32.3% female) were included. Patients in the
LBBAP group had lower NYHA class, shorter preprocedural QRS durations
(161 [142-183] vs. 180 [170-203] msec, p<0.001), and a
lower preprocedural spironolactone use (57.4% vs. 84.6%, p=0.009) than
patients in the Endo-CRT group. Fluoroscopy time was significantly
shorter in patients undergoing LBBAP (11.4 [7.2-20] vs. 23
[14.2-34.5] min; p<0.001). There was no significant
difference in the primary efficacy outcome between both groups (Cox
proportional HR 1.21, 95% CI 0.635-2.31; p=0.56). During follow-up,
patients undergoing LBBAP had a lower incidence of stroke than patients
in the Endo-CRT group (0% vs. 11.5%, p=0.001). Postprocedural LVEF
(35% [25-45] vs. 40% [20-55]; p=0.307) and change in LVEF (7%
[0-20] vs. 11% [2-18]; p=0.384) between the LBBAP and the
Endo-CRT groups, respectively. Conclusion: LBBAP and Endo-CRT
using conventional leads are associated with similar clinical outcomes,
as well as improvements in LVEF. Endo-CRT is associated with longer
fluoroscopy times and a higher risk of stroke.