His Bundle pacing for congenital complete AV block: An attempt to fix a broken heart?

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol. 2022 May;27(3):e12895. doi: 10.1111/anec.12895. Epub 2022 Mar 2.

Abstract

Congenital complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB) is usually due to failure of atrioventricular nodal conduction with preservation of the His-Purkinje system. Most patients with CCAVB ultimately require pacemaker therapy to restore physiologic heart rates, dealing with the detrimental effects of chronic right ventricular (RV) pacing on cardiac structure and function. The ideal stimulation pattern aims to mimic the normal conduction to restore electromechanical coupling, preventing the harmful effects of lack of atrioventricular and inter-intraventricular synchrony. This can be done through conduction system pacing. Using His bundle pacing (HBP) for cardiac resynchronization therapy in two complete congenital atrioventricular block patients, we have reported better exercise tolerance and echocardiographic improvements related to reversible left ventricular dysfunction that can be corrected by restoration of the normal activation pathway via the His-Purkinje network.

Keywords: congenital atrioventricular block; his bundle pacing; left ventricular dysfunction; ventricular dyssynchrony.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Atrioventricular Block* / therapy
  • Bundle of His
  • Cardiac Conduction System Disease
  • Cardiac Pacing, Artificial
  • Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Block / congenital
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome

Supplementary concepts

  • Congenital heart block