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Updated: May 22, 2026

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
Direct His bundle and paraHisian cardiac pacing
1Division of Cardiology, Electrophysiology Unit, General Hospital, Rovigo, Italy. franc.zanon@iol.it
Insights
ParaHisian pacing offers easier implementation and superior electrical parameters compared to direct His bundle pacing (DHBP). This shift improves device longevity and may eliminate the need for a safety lead in certain patients.
Area of Science:
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Direct His bundle pacing (DHBP) and paraHisian pacing have seen improved success rates due to new fixation systems.
- DHBP presents challenges including complexity, higher pacing thresholds, and reduced device longevity.
- ParaHisian pacing, a fusion of myocardial and His bundle capture, offers simpler implementation and better electrical parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and implementation of direct His bundle pacing (DHBP) versus paraHisian pacing.
- To evaluate the impact of these pacing methods on procedural parameters and device longevity.
- To explore the potential of DHBP in cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of procedural outcomes and electrical parameters for DHBP and paraHisian pacing.
- Analysis of lead placement strategies, including the use of safety leads.
- Assessment of patient populations suitable for these pacing techniques, including those with AV block and bundle branch block.
Main Results:
- ParaHisian pacing demonstrates easier implementation and superior electrical parameters over DHBP.
- Dedicated fixation systems have reduced procedural duration, dislodgement rates, and fluoroscopy time for both techniques.
- ParaHisian pacing may obviate the need for a safety lead due to reliable long-term myocardial capture.
Conclusions:
- A clinical shift towards paraHisian pacing is occurring due to its advantages over DHBP.
- Both DHBP and paraHisian pacing are achievable in a significant number of patients with various forms of AV block.
- DHBP may have a role in cardiac resynchronization for specific patient subsets with intraHisian conduction disease.
Abstract:
The success rate of direct His bundle pacing (DHBP) and paraHisian pacing has improved remarkably in the last 3-5 years with the advent of dedicated fixation systems that have reduced procedural duration, dislodgement rate, and fluoroscopy time. The methodology of DBHP remains still more complex than paraHisian pacing and is associated with high-pacing thresholds. Thus, DHBP entails greater battery current drain and reduced device longevity. A shift toward paraHisian pacing (which is fusion pacing of myocardium and His bundle) has occurred because its implementation is easier and the electrical parameters are superior to those of DBHP. Currently, an additional safety lead is inserted at the RV apex or outflow tract to prevent asystole, especially in patients with pure DHBP. It is often possible to avoid a safety lead with paraHisian pacing because ventricular pacing is virtually assured on a long-term basis via myocardial capture. DBHP and paraHisian pacing can be achieved in a substantial proportion of patients with varying grades of narrow QRS AV block or after AV junctional ablation and in some patients with the ECG manifestation of bundle branch block caused by an intraHisian lesion. Preliminary observations suggest that DHBP may be useful in some patients requiring cardiac resynchronization if it produces a narrow QRS complex because the site of an intraHisian lesion responsible for left bundle branch block is above the site of DHBP.
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