The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether left bundle branch area pacing, a technique designed to activate the heart's natural electrical conduction system, is better than conventional right ventricular pacing in adults with permanent atrial fibrillation, preserved heart pumping function, and a need for a pacemaker.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does left bundle branch area pacing reduce the risk of death, unplanned hospitalization for heart failure, or the need to replace the initial pacing system with biventricular pacing over 2 years? Does it better preserve heart function and quality of life, without increasing pacemaker-related complications?
Researchers will compare left bundle branch area pacing with conventional right ventricular pacing. A total of 642 participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of these two pacing strategies.
Participants will:
Have a single-chamber pacemaker implanted using either left bundle branch area pacing or conventional right ventricular pacing Undergo electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and pacemaker checks during 2 years of follow-up Attend follow-up visits approximately 2, 12, and 24 months after implantation Be contacted by telephone approximately 6 and 18 months after implantation Complete questionnaires about their health and quality of life at the beginning and end of the study