Outcomes of Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing in Heart Failure Patients: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is an emerging physiological pacing technique that restores ventricular electrical synchrony by directly engaging the left conduction system. It has been proposed as an alternative to conventional pacing strategies, particularly in heart failure patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 50%).

METHODS

A systematic literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus was conducted up to December 2024 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Sixteen studies involving 5680 patients were included. Reported outcomes included changes in LVEF, QRS duration (QRSd), hospitalization rates, complications, and mortality. Due to heterogeneity among studies, a qualitative narrative synthesis was performed.

RESULTS

LBBAP was associated with significant improvements in cardiac function, with most studies reporting increased LVEF and marked reductions in QRSd, indicating improved electrical synchrony. Complication rates were low, with rare events such as pneumothorax and lead dislodgement. Heart failure-related hospitalizations were lower with LBBAP compared with biventricular pacing (19.05% vs. 30.00%), while mortality rates remained low across pacing strategies. Overall, LBBAP demonstrated superior electrical resynchronization and favorable clinical outcomes compared with conventional pacing modalities.

CONCLUSION

LBBAP is a promising pacing strategy that improves electrical synchrony and cardiac function with a favorable short- to mid-term safety profile. Further large-scale randomized studies are needed to establish its long-term efficacy and safety.