His-bundle pacemaker technique

Hi Teresa, I have congestive heart failure with an ejection fraction of 25. I am breathless much of the time, even when I perform simple tasks, such as tying my shoes. I'm exhausted and have no energy. I take frequent naps. My med.s include Entresto, Coreg, and Furosemide. My cardiologist said there is nothing more he can do, but he suggested that I see this doctor. A few years ago, the latter attempted to insert a pacemaker but was unable to do so because of a "twist" in my blood vessel. I don't know how to explain the His-pacemaker technique because it's too technical for me. It involves placing leads in another area of the heart, I think. The electrophysiologist said the success rate is 70%. I was hoping someone would know something more about this. I've looked it up and still don't really understand it. Thanks again.

Hi Teresa, I have congestive heart failure with an ejection fraction of 25. I am breathless much of the time, even when I perform simple tasks, such as tying my shoes. I'm exhausted and have no energy. I take frequent naps. My med.s include Entresto, Coreg, and Furosemide. My cardiologist said there is nothing more he can do, but he suggested that I see this doctor. A few years ago, the latter attempted to insert a pacemaker but was unable to do so because of a "twist" in my blood vessel. I don't know how to explain the His-pacemaker technique because it's too technical for me. It involves placing leads in another area of the heart, I think. The electrophysiologist said the success rate is 70%. I was hoping someone would know something more about this. I've looked it up and still don't really understand it. Thanks again.

Hello @corjianne

I appreciate the details about your symptoms and problems with the traditional pacemaker technique. This does sound complicated and your symptoms do sound like they warrant some additional help. You have not mentioned your age nor how long you have had this heart issue. As you are comfortable sharing more about yourself, please do so.

Have you asked the electrophysiologist (who spoke of the 70% success rate) how many of these procedures he has done and/or where he trained for this procedure? Knowing a little about his experience and training might give you more ease as you consider this. Also, are there any hospitals in your vicinity that are considered major heart centers where you might find expertise on this problem? Personally, I would be willing to travel a bit in order to be able to have this done at a major heart center. However, this represents my own personal opinion and I cannot speak for you.

I would like to invite another mentor into this conversation, Martin, @predictable. He has dealt with a lot of heart problems and may be able to shed some light on this. Also, Connect's moderator, Kanaaz, @kanaazpereira, might be able to offer some more ideas and information as well.

Hi, I’m not a dr or specialist but I did see something called “his bundle pacing” and as suggested I would talk to your dr to find out exactly what this procedure is called. My niece had a bundle pack and EF rate of 15 and had to get a defibrillator and meds to help her cause of other issues, and she has what’s called a bundle pack. With your “twist” it made me think it might be similar to her situation. Please, I suggest you check further to see what this is called so you can get a better understanding what your dr. Is talking about. So much info out there it can get confusing. I pray you find answers and wish you the best. I have heart failure and had an EF rate of 30 which improved for now.

Hello @corjianne

I appreciate the details about your symptoms and problems with the traditional pacemaker technique. This does sound complicated and your symptoms do sound like they warrant some additional help. You have not mentioned your age nor how long you have had this heart issue. As you are comfortable sharing more about yourself, please do so.

Have you asked the electrophysiologist (who spoke of the 70% success rate) how many of these procedures he has done and/or where he trained for this procedure? Knowing a little about his experience and training might give you more ease as you consider this. Also, are there any hospitals in your vicinity that are considered major heart centers where you might find expertise on this problem? Personally, I would be willing to travel a bit in order to be able to have this done at a major heart center. However, this represents my own personal opinion and I cannot speak for you.

I would like to invite another mentor into this conversation, Martin, @predictable. He has dealt with a lot of heart problems and may be able to shed some light on this. Also, Connect's moderator, Kanaaz, @kanaazpereira, might be able to offer some more ideas and information as well.

Hi, I’m not a dr or specialist but I did see something called “his bundle pacing” and as suggested I would talk to your dr to find out exactly what this procedure is called. My niece had a bundle pack and EF rate of 15 and had to get a defibrillator and meds to help her cause of other issues, and she has what’s called a bundle pack. With your “twist” it made me think it might be similar to her situation. Please, I suggest you check further to see what this is called so you can get a better understanding what your dr. Is talking about. So much info out there it can get confusing. I pray you find answers and wish you the best. I have heart failure and had an EF rate of 30 which improved for now.

Hi camaroyo, Thank you for your response. The doctor told me it's called "His-pacing." I also have a defibrillator. I'm happy that your EF has improved. Your niece sounds as if she's been through a lot. I'll research this further. Thank you for your prayers.