Abstract
Background: Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) provides physiological
pacing at low and stable threshold. The safety and efficacy of LBBP in
elderly population is unknown. Objectives: Our study was designed to
assess the safety, efficacy and electrophysiological parameters of LBBP
in octogenarian (≥80 years) population Methods: All octogenarians
requiring permanent pacemaker implantation for symptomatic bradycardia
and heart failure were prospectively enrolled. Echocardiography,
electrocardiography and pacing parameters were recorded. Results: LBBP
was successful in 10 out of 11 patients. Mean age 82.1 ± 2.5 yrs. Male 7
patients. Follow up duration 4.7 months (range1-7months). Indication for
pacing included atrioventricular (AV) block 5 patients, Left bundle
branch block (LBBB) with low ejection fraction (EF) 4 patients, sinus
node dysfunction in 1. LB lead placement fluoroscopic time was 17.9
minutes. QRS duration reduced from 145.9 ±27.7ms at baseline to 107.1
±9.5ms after LBBP (p value0.00001) LV ejection fraction increased from
47.6 % to 55.9 % after LBBP (p value0.017). Pacing threshold was 0.58
± 0.22V and sensed R wave 17.35 ± 6.5mV and it remained stable during
follow up. LBBB with low EF patients also showed similar reduction in
QRS duration along with improvement in LVEF. No major complications
noted Conclusion: LBBP is a safe and effective strategy (91% acute
success) of physiological pacing in elderly patients. LBBP also provided
effective resynchronization therapy in our small group of elderly
patients. The pacing parameters remained stable over a period of 7
months follow up.