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Comparing two pacing methods for treating slow heart rates

Physiological vs Right Ventricular Pacing Outcome Trial Evaluated for bradyCardia Treatment

NA · Imperial College London · NCT05815745

This study is testing two different ways to help people with slow heart rates feel better by comparing traditional pacing to a newer method in 2600 patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorImperial College London (other)
Locations45 sites (Dublin and 44 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05815745 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The PROTECT-HF trial is a multi-centre randomized controlled trial designed to compare two different pacing approaches for patients with bradycardia. It will evaluate the traditional right ventricular pacing against a newer physiological pacing method, which includes His and Left bundle area pacing, in a cohort of 2600 patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two pacing methods, and their outcomes will be assessed at baseline and every six months thereafter. The study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of these pacing strategies in improving patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 with specific pacing indications and a left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 35%.

Not a fit: Patients who only require occasional ventricular pacing or have a life expectancy of less than one year may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pacing strategies that enhance heart function and quality of life for patients with bradycardia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored various pacing methods, but this specific comparison of physiological pacing versus right ventricular pacing is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
We will recruit patients who are referred for clinically indicated pacemaker implantation

Inclusion Criteria:

1\. Adults aged over 18 with left ventricular ejection fraction \>35% and one or more of the following guideline based ventricular pacing indications:

1. Permanent or intermittent 3rd degree AV block
2. Permanent or intermittent Mobitz type II AV block
3. First Degree AV block with a pacing indication
4. Slow chronic Atrial Fibrillation or Proposed AV node ablation
5. Bifascicular block with a pacing indication
6. Trifascicular block with a pacing indication
7. Wenckebach with a pacing indication

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who are likely to only need occasional ventricular pacing, i.e. those with isolated sick sinus syndrome.
2. Pregnant women.
3. Unable to provide informed consent.
4. Those with comorbidity leading to a life expectancy \<1year.

Where this trial is running

Dublin and 44 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Bradycardia, Pacing, Right Ventricular Pacing, His Bundle Pacing, Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.