Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) strategy for heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is controversial. Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is an emerging pacing modality and an alternative option to CRT. This analysis aimed to perform a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis on the impact of the LBBAP strategy in HFmrEF, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between 35% and 50%. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for full-text articles on LBBAP from inception to July 17, 2022. The outcomes of interest were QRS duration and LVEF at baseline and follow-up in mid-range heart failure. Data were extracted and summarized. A random-effect model incorporating the potential heterogeneity was used to synthesize the results. Out of 1065 articles, 8 met the inclusion criteria for 211 mid-range heart failure patients with an implant LBBAP across the 16 centers. The average implant success rate with lumenless pacing lead use was 91.3%, and 19 complications were reported among all 211 enrolled patients. During the average follow-up of 9.1 months, the average LVEF was 39.8% at baseline and 50.5% at follow-up (MD: 10.90%, 95% CI: 6.56−15.23, p < .01). Average QRS duration was 152.6 ms at baseline and 119.3 ms at follow-up (MD: −34.51 ms, 95% CI: −60.00 to −9.02, p < .01). LBBAP could significantly reduce QRS duration and improve systolic function in a patient with LVEF between 35% and 50%. Application of LBBAP as a CRT strategy for HFmrEF may be a viable option.

Introduction: His bundle pacing (HBP) was developed as a physiological conduction system pacing to complement the problem of conventional right ventricular pacing (RVP) related to dyssynchrony. Recently, left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP), which overcomes the shortcomings of HBP, has been implemented. Most researches on initial experiences with LBBAP have reported that it was achieved through a lumen-less pacing lead (LLL) with a fixed helix design; however, there are situations in which LLL cannot be used. The purpose of present research is to evaluate the initial experience and learning curve of LBBAP using a standard stylet-driven lead with an extendable helix design. Methods: 265 patients who underwent LBBAP or conventional RVP performed by operators without previous LBBAP experience at Yonsei University Severance Hospital in Korea between December 2020 and October 2021 were enrolled. LBBAP was performed using a stylet‐driven pacing lead with an extendable helix. The learning curve was evaluated by analyzing fluoroscopy and procedure times. Results: LBBAP was successful in 65 of 69 (94.2%) patients during the observation period. In 65 patients who underwent LBBAP, mean fluoroscopy and procedural times were 17.1 ± 17.2 minutes and 64.2 ± 33.5 minutes, respectively. The learning curve for achieving LBBAP plateaued after the 24th case, with a gradually shortened in procedure time. Conclusion: During the initial experience with LBBAP, fluoroscopy and procedural times improved with increasing operator experience. For operators who were experienced in cardiac pacemaker implantation, the steepest part of the learning curve was over the first 20-25 cases.

Introduction This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, and the effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) on RV function. Methods A total of 110 patients (age, 50.8 ± 14.4 years; 30 men) without structural heart disease who had undergone RFCA for RV outflow tract (RVOT) PVCs were retrospectively included. RV function was assessed using fractional area change (FAC) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) before and after RFCA. Clinical data were compared between the RV dysfunction (n = 63) and preserved RV function (n = 47) groups. The relationship between PVC burden and RV function was analyzed. Change in RV function before and after RFCA was compared between patients with successful and failed RFCA. Results PVC burden was significantly higher in the RV dysfunction group than in the preserved RV function group (p < .001). FAC and GLS were significantly worse in proportion to PVC burden (p < .001 and p < .001, respectively). The risk factor associated with RV dysfunction was PVC burden [odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 1.092 (1.052–1.134); p < .001]. Improvement in FAC (13.0 ± 8.7% and –2.5 ± 5.6%, respectively; p < .001) and GLS (–6.8 ± 5.7% and 2.1 ± 4.2%, respectively; p < .001) was significant in the patients with successful RFCA, compared to the patients in whom RFCA failed. Conclusions Frequent RVOT PVCs are associated with RV dysfunction. RV dysfunction is reversible by successful RFCA.