Abstract
BACKGROUND: His bundle pacing (HBP) may be a challenging procedure, often involving a long fluoroscopic time (FT) and a long procedural time (PT). We sought to evaluate whether the use of a new nonfluroscopic mapping (NFM) system, the KODEX-EPD, is able to reduce FT and PT when mapping is performed by the pacing catheter rather than an electrophysiological mapping catheter. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 46 consecutive patients (77 ± 8 years; 63% male) who underwent HBP; in 22 a NFM-guided procedure with the KODEX-EPD system was performed (group 1), whereas in 24 a conventional fluoroscopy-guided approach was used (group 2). Pacing indications were sick sinus syndrome in 13, atrioventricular block in 21, and cardiac resynchronization therapy in 12 cases. Both a lumen-less fixed helix lead and a stylet-driven extendable helix lead were used, respectively, in 24% and 76% of patients. HBP was successful in 22 patients (100%) in group 1 and 23 patients (96%) in group 2. The FT was significantly reduced in group 1 (183 ± 117 s vs 464.1 ± 352 s in group 2, p = .012). There were no significant differences between groups in PT and other procedural outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The KODEX-EPD system may be safely used in HBP procedures. It is effective in reducing ionizing radiation exposure, as evidenced by the significant drop in FT, without increasing PT.