Improving heart function in veterans with heart failure who didn't respond to previous therapy

Evaluation of Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing As A Rescue Strategy for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Non-response in Patients With Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05884411

This study is testing a new heart pacing method to see if it can help veterans with heart failure who didn't get better after their previous treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT05884411 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) as a potential solution for veterans with heart failure who have not improved after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The research focuses on patients who have undergone CRT at least one year prior and have shown no significant improvement in heart function. By placing a new pacing lead in the left bundle branch area, the study aims to enhance electrical synchrony and potentially improve cardiac function and reduce heart failure symptoms. The study will also utilize cardiac MRI to assess heart function and structure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are veterans who have undergone CRT at least 12 months prior and have not experienced improvement in their heart function.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide informed consent, have active cancer, or have anatomical difficulties for the procedure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve heart function and quality of life for veterans suffering from heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: While traditional CRT has been widely studied, the specific approach of LBBAP for CRT non-response is emerging and may offer novel insights into treatment options.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

All Veterans in this study will have undergone CRT at least 12 months prior to enrollment and determined to have non-response by all the following criteria:

* Lack of improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class
* Lack of LVEF increase by \> 5%
* Lack of decrease in LVESV by \> 15%

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to understand or provide informed consent
* Unable or unwilling to participate in the protocol or comply with any of its components
* Pregnant women
* Known cancer patients, actively receiving chemotherapy
* Patients unable to pass MRI safety screening (intra-orbital metallic foreign bodies, severe claustrophobia, etc)
* Patients with anatomical difficulties for implanting LBBAP
* Patients with high risk of procedure-related infection
* Immunocompromised patients

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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.
Conditions Systolic Heart FailureHeart Failure With Reduced Ejection FractionCRT Non-ResponseLeft Bundle Branch Area PacingHeart FailureCRTLBBAPNon-response
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.