Biopace Study: Biventricular Pacing for Atrioventricular Block to Prevent Cardiac Desynchronization

Inclusion Criteria

• •1. Presence of an indication for ventricular pacing according to the actual guidelines for the implantation of cardiac pacemakers and a need for frequent (or even permanent) ventricular pacing for:
• •1. Permanent 3rd degree atrioventricular (AV)-block or
• •2. Intermittent 3rd degree AV-block in combination with 1st degree AV-block with a pQ-interval ≥ 220 ms or
• •3. 2nd degree AV-block type Mobitz II in combination with 1st degree AV-block with a pQ-interval ≥ 220 ms or
• •4. 2nd degree AV-block type Mobitz I (if indicated) in combination with 1st degree AV-block with a pQ-interval ≥ 220 ms or
• •5. 1st degree AV-block with a pQ-interval ≥ 220 ms and indication for ventricular pacing (includes indication for ventricular pacing based on long HV interval measured during invasive electrophysiological testing) or
• •6. Sick-sinus-syndrome with symptomatic sinus bradycardia or sinus arrest as primary indication for device implantation in combination with long 1st degree AV-block with a pQ-interval ≥ 220 ms or
• •7. Chronic (permanent) atrial fibrillation (flutter or tachycardia) with a spontaneous heart (ventricular) rate at rest ≤ 60/min or
• •8. Chronic (permanent) atrial fibrillation (flutter or tachycardia) with a spontaneous heart (ventricular) rate at rest ≤ 75/min, if initiation or increase of pharmacological treatment with a relevant heart rate lowering effect (negative chronotropic effect) is planned for the time after pacemaker implantation (i.e. ß-blockers for heart failure and rate control)
• •9. Patients scheduled for AV node ablation
• •2. Any QRS duration and morphology
• •3. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) without limit as measured by echocardiography (in at least one plane, either 4- or 2-chamber or apical long axis view)
• •4. Signed written informed consent of the patient or a first-degree relative for study participation after informing the patient/relative about the risks and the aim of the study
• •5. Willingness and ability to comply with the prescribed follow-up tests and schedule of evaluations.
• •6. Absence of an implanted ventricular pacing device (patients with atrial pacemakers and new need for ventricular pacing may be included)