Exploration of Innovative Pacing Techniques for Heart Failure Prevention through State-of-the-art Pacemakers

The German Heart Institute is leading a groundbreaking nationwide clinical study titled "Preserve-Synch-DZHK30". This study, funded by the German Heart Research Center (DZHK), involves researchers and university hospitals across Germany, including the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), the University Hospital Heidelberg, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and other affiliated centers specializing in cardiology and electrophysiology.

The study focuses on a new method called physiological left bundle branch pacing (LBBAP). This innovative approach mimics the natural signal propagation of the heart, potentially offering a significantly gentler and more effective solution for patients whose heart is almost constantly controlled by a pacemaker.

Approximately 200 patients with high-degree AV block are expected to participate in the study. These patients are permanently dependent on a pacemaker due to heart conditions. The study does not directly investigate whether patients live longer or have to be hospitalized less often, but instead examines whether the new method has favorable effects on measurable values such as heart function.

The study aims to help prevent heart weakness caused by conventional pacemakers. LBBAP specifically activates the inner conduction system of the heart, the His-Purkinje system. The study's results could potentially confirm the positive effects of left bundle branch area pacing, leading to its inclusion in medical guidelines.

The study is conducted by researchers from LMU University Hospital Munich and the German Heart Center of Charité. It is led by PD Dr. med. Florian Blaschke (DHZC) and PD Dr. med. Moritz Sinner (LMU University Hospital Munich), with Charité assuming legal responsibility for the project.

PD Dr. med. Florian Blaschke's email is [email protected], and PD Dr. Moritz Sinner, cardiologist at the Medical Clinic and Polyclinic I of LMU University Hospital Munich, can be reached at [email protected].

More than 20 clinics across Germany are participating in the study. The study falls into the category of "early clinical trials," which are studies in an early research phase. Further research is planned to solidify the findings and establish the method in clinical practice long-term.

This study marks an exciting step forward in the field of cardiology and electrophysiology, with the potential to significantly improve the lives of those dependent on pacemakers.

Exploration of Innovative Pacing Techniques for Heart Failure Prevention through State-of-the-art Pacemakers