Matthew A. Bernabei

and 8 more

Objectives Automatic capture confirmation (ACC) algorithms monitor the pacing capture threshold (PCT) and adjust energy output to deliver a tailored safety margin over the PCT, while providing a high-output backup safety pulse in the event of non-capture. Advantages of these algorithms include increased device longevity, enhanced patient safety, and improved remote monitoring capabilities. While such algorithms have been validated for conventional right ventricular pacing (RVP) locations, there is limited information on their performance for pacing in the increasingly utilized location of the left bundle branch area (LBBA). Our objective was to evaluate the longitudinal performance and stability of the Abbott AutoCapture™ algorithm in patients with left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP). Methods De-identified remote device data were retrospectively analyzed from consecutive patients in our hospital who received AutoCapture enabled Abbott pacemakers with LBBAP from June 2021 to August 2023. Device stored AutoCapture PCT measurements were then evaluated incrementally over an approximate 2-year period, to evaluate longer-term trends and performance, and also compared with the original, manual PCT at the time of initial implant. Results A total of 619 patients with either single chamber (model 1272, n= 89) or dual-chamber Abbott devices (model 2272, n= 530) were identified. AutoCapture and manually measured PCTs at implant were within 0.25 V in 600/615 (97.6%) patients, with average PCTs of 0.76 V ± 0.28 and 0.80 V ± 0.26 respectively, at a pulse width of 0.5 ms. At 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24-month remote follow-up, average AutoCapture PCTs were 0.67 V ± 0.29 (n=594), 0.66 V ± 0.25 (n=560), 0.71 V ± 0.29 (n=543), 0.77 V ± 0.29 (n=447) and 0.81 V ± 0.28 (n=112), respectively. At the last remote follow-up, lead impedances were 536 ohms ±60, and sensed R-wave amplitude were 11 mV ± 3. AutoCapture was found to be effective in assessing PCT and was activated in the majority of patients (619/644, 97%) without complications related to its activation or usage during the follow-up period. Conclusion The AutoCapture algorithm measured accurate PCTs at implant and showed a stable trend during follow-up out to approximately 2 years in patients with LBBAP.