Heart Rhythm 2025: Study Data Show Promising LBBAP Pacing Outcomes

Findings from two late-breaking clinical trials demonstrate the safety and efficacy of left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP), adding to a growing body of evidence supporting new pacing methods. Researchers presented these findings as late-breaking clinical science during Heart Rhythm 2025 in San Diego, Calif.

Heart failure impacts more than 64 million people worldwide.ⁱ Numerous studies have shown that cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can reduce heart failure-related hospitalizations and lower all-cause mortality, but biventricular pacing (BVP) has notable limitations, including a 3% to 4% rate of acute procedural failure, phrenic nerve stimulation, and increasing pacing thresholds or loss of capture.ⁱⁱ LBBAP continues to gain traction as a favorable pacing option in patients with more complex conduction system diseases, particularly for patients with infranodal atrioventricular block and left bundle branch block.ⁱⁱⁱ

The findings of the following studies contribute to the expansion of treatment capabilities using LBBAP.

Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

I-CLAS, a global, multicenter registry, compared the clinical outcomes between BVP and LBBAP among patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% undergoing CRT. The study included 2,579 patients from 18 international centers. Mean 34±15-month follow-up results showed that LBBAP was associated with significantly better outcomes compared to BVP, including a lower rate of death or heart failure hospitalization (22.2% vs. 30.8%), and reduced time to heart failure hospitalization (13.6% vs. 20.8%).

“Our findings support the hypothesis that targeting the conduction system through left bundle branch area pacing leads to superior electrical resynchronization, resulting in better clinical outcomes,” said Pugazhendhi Vijayaraman, M.D., director of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Geisinger Heart Institute, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. “While these results are promising, ongoing large randomized controlled trials will offer further insights into the long-term benefits of left bundle branch area pacing.”

Small-Diameter Defibrillation Lead Effectiveness When Placed in the Left Bundle Branch Area

The global, prospective, non-randomized, multi-center LEADR LBBAP study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the OmniaSecure defibrillation lead when placed in the LBBAP position. The OmniaSecure lead demonstrated high defibrillation success in LBBAP for patients indicated for an ICD or CRT-D. The study met its pre-specified efficacy goal of 88% and defibrillation was 100% successful following testing conducted at device implantation in 162 patients. These results demonstrate the potential for the OmniaSecure defibrillation lead to be used in alternative areas other than right ventricular stimulation for sensing, pacing, cardioversion, and defibrillation.

“For the first time, we are seeing promising evidence that this novel lead can be used in alternative locations, allowing physicians to place the lead in the optimal position for each patient, ultimately enhancing the precision of treatment. The positive defibrillation results are encouraging and highlight the potential versatility of the OmniaSecure lead,” Dr. Vijayaraman stated. “Future analyses will provide further insights into the safety and efficacy of the lead at three months follow-up.”

The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education, and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients and is the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve patient care by promoting research, education, and optimal healthcare policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, D.C., it has a membership of more than 9,000 heart rhythm professionals from 94 countries.

The Heart Rhythm Society’s annual Heart Rhythm meeting convenes 9,500 clinicians, scientists, researchers, and innovators in cardiac pacing and electrophysiology. More than 2,000 international experts serve as faculty for the more than 200 educational sessions, forums, symposia, and ceremonies, while over 110 exhibitors showcase products and services.

References
ⁱ Savarese G, Becher PM, Lund LH, Seferovic P, Rosano GMC, Coats AJS. Global burden of heart failure: a comprehensive and updated review of epidemiology. Cardiovasc Res. 2023; 118(17):3272-3287.
ⁱⁱ Diaz JC, Duque M, Aristizabal J, Marin J, Niño C, Bastidas O, Ruiz LM, Matos CD, Hoyos C, Hincapie D, Velasco A. The emerging role of left bundle branch area pacing for cardiac resynchronisation therapy. Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology Review. 2023; 12: e29.
ⁱⁱⁱ Huang W, Zhou X, Ellenbogen KA. Pursue physiological pacing therapy: a better understanding of left bundle branch pacing and left ventricular septal myocardial pacing. Heart Rhythm. 2021; 18(8):1290-1.