Reprogramming to Prevent Progressive Pacemaker-induced Remodelling

Reprogramming to Prevent Progressive Pacemaker-Induced Remodelling

The aim is to provide evidence of the long-term benefits of personalised pacemaker programming on heart function and battery longevity.

This will be achieved by showing in a single centre, phase II, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial that reducing the amount of pacemaker beats to a minimum reverses these changes and extends battery life.

Patients (n=70) with long-term (>2 years) permanent pacemakers with avoidable RV pacing will be invited to participate in a single-centre, phase II, randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of optimised pacing programming versus standard care. Those randomised to the intervention arm will have personalised programming to avoid right ventricular pacing, whilst those allocated to standard care will have no programming changes made. All participants will be invited back at 6 months for a repeat echocardiogram, quality of life assessment (EQ-5D-5L), blood tests and pacemaker check.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronic right ventricular bradycardia pacemaker implanted for at least 24 months
• Willing and able to give informed consent for the intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known poor imaging quality patients (details of patients excluded for this reason will be recorded)
• Patients with complete heart block and no reprogramming options