Key result
His-optimized CRT narrows QRS by ~65 ms and improves EF in a conventional CRT nonresponder.
Why the study?
Optimization of the AV delay plays a pivotal role in ensuring hemodynamic efficiency in patients with conduction system pacing such as His bundle pacing.
Does His-optimized cardiac resynchronization therapy with AV delay optimization improve QRS duration and clinical outcomes in a patient with severe heart failure?
Case Report (n=1)
Does His-optimized cardiac resynchronization therapy with AV delay optimization improve QRS duration and clinical outcomes in a patient with severe heart failure?
Individualized AV delay optimization in His-optimized CRT can significantly narrow QRS duration and improve clinical outcomes in patients nonresponsive to conventional CRT.
May support AV optimization in His-optimized CRT for nonresponders; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective validation.
His bundle pacing (HBP) has recently emerged as a physiologic pacing strategy that preserves ventricular synchrony and may improve outcomes in patients with heart failure and conduction abnormalities. Optimization of the atrioventricular (AV) delay plays a pivotal role in ensuring hemodynamic efficiency in patients with conduction system pacing. We report a 41-year-old male with dilated cardiomyopathy and severe heart failure (NYHA class IV, EF 16%), who was initially implanted with a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device. Despite multiple attempts to reposition the right and left ventricular leads, QRS duration during biventricular pacing widened from 140 to 185 ms. The right ventricular lead was subsequently repositioned to the His bundle (His-optimized CRT, HOT-CRT). Following AV delay optimization, the QRS duration narrowed to 120 ms, improving hemodynamic function. At 15-month follow-up, the patient remained clinically stable, able to perform moderate physical activity, with an improved EF of 25% and no recurrence of ventricular tachycardia. HOT-CRT combines the physiologic advantage of His bundle pacing with optimized AV conduction timing, which is particularly valuable in patients with prolonged PR interval and nonresponse to conventional CRT. AV delay optimization ensures proper atrioventricular synchrony, enhances left ventricular filling, and contributes to improved cardiac output. This case highlights the significance of individualized AV delay adjustment in conduction system pacing to maximize therapeutic outcomes. Optimization of AV delay is essential for maximizing the benefits of conduction system pacing, especially in HOT-CRT recipients. Attention to QRS morphology and duration during device implantation can help identify patients who will benefit most from individualized AV programming.
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Quang et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Dilated cardiomyopathy and severe heart failure (n=1). His-optimized CRT (HOT-CRT) with AV delay optimization vs. Conventional CRT was evaluated on QRS duration and ejection fraction. His-optimized CRT with AV delay optimization narrowed QRS duration from 185 ms to 120 ms and improved ejection fraction from 16% to 25% at 15 months in a patient nonresponsive to conventional CRT.
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