Troubleshooting and programming considerations for His bundle pacing

Interest in permanent His bundle pacing as a means of both preventing pacing-induced cardiomyopathy and providing physiological resynchronization by normalization of His-Purkinje activation is steadily growing. However, there are differences in atrioventricular timing cycles, sensing, and tissue capture that distinguish His bundle pacing from right ventricular pacing, and hence it is of utmost importance to bear these differences in mind when implanting a His pacing lead and programming the His pacing system. This article focuses on critical considerations and troubleshooting options available to the implanter and follow-up clinic personnel.