The clinical utility of direct His-bundle pacing in patients with heart failure and permanent atrial fibrillation

In patients with significantly impaired left ventricle function permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) often coexists with symptoms of heart failure. Based on various studies, it is assumed that in patients with heart failure in functional class III and IV AF occurs in 40-50% of patients. AF adversely affects cardiac hemodynamics, and its harmfulness increases particularly in the failing heart. The lack of mechanical function of the left atrium, the usually fast ventricular rate and the irregular sequence of ventricular contraction constitute the spectrum of harmful effects of this arrhythmia. Therefore, the only way to address the underlying problem of AF, which is irregular ventricular rhythm, is to pace the ventricles and to slow or block the AV conduction. Classic, right ventricular pacing is contraindicated in this population as it promotes the abovementioned disorders by initiating additional dyssynchrony of left ventricular contraction with reduction of its contractility and aggravation of AF-related mitral regurgitation. The possibility of direct His bundle pacing (DHBP) significantly extended the clinical armamentarium of cardiac pacing. The restoration of the physiological electrical activation could significantly contribute to echocardiographic and clinical improvement. With time and the development of dedicated tools for direct His bundle pacing the success rate of implantations became more than 90% and the acceptable pacing thresholds under 2.0 V (1 ms) could be achieved in most patients. This contributed to the broader clinical application of DHBP in different patient' groups with various pacing indications. The authors of the paper discuss different electrocardiographic and clinical indications for DHBP.