His bundle pacing insights from electroanatomical mapping: Topography and pacing targets

Abstract

Objectives: To characterize 3D electroanatomical mapping (EAM) of the His bundle (HB) region.

Background: Visualization of selective (S) and nonselective (NS) HB capture areas by EAM has not been described and may help guide HB pacing (HBP).

Methods: EAM was performed via NavX system in 17 patients (pts) undergoing HBP. HB cloud, S-HB, NS-HB, and right bundle (RB) capture areas were mapped.

Results: S-HBP areas were identified in 11, NS-HBP in 14, and RB in 11 pts. Two NS-HBP areas (upper and lower) either separated by S-HBP (8 pts) or almost contiguous (5 pts) were observed. S-HBP area measured: 1.1 ± 0.9 cm² , NS upper: -1.2 ± 0.9 cm² , NS lower: -1.2 ± 0.9 cm² , RB: -1.7 ± 1.3 cm² , total His cloud: -4.1 ± 2.7 cm² . Electrocardiogram (ECG) pacemaps were different between upper and lower NS-HBP areas in 13/14 pts (p = .006). ECG differences between NS clouds were present in inferior leads in 9 pts (more negative QRS complex from lower NS area) and in precordial leads in 5 pts. There was no correlation between HBP lead location and capture threshold. R-wave amplitude was higher at more distal locations on HB cloud (p = .02).

Conclusion: (1) Pacemapping identifies distinct regions that may correspond to HB anatomy. (2) A linear S-HBP area is typically surrounded by two separate NS areas. (3) Pace-map ECGs from upper and lower NS-HBP areas have different morphologies. (4) These EAM features and pace-mapping may be helpful to the implanter.

Keywords: His bundle cloud; His bundle pacing; electroanatomical mapping; nonselective; selective.