Apex vs. Septum Pacing: A Comprehensive Review of Pacemaker Implantation Strategies

Abstract

Right ventricular apex (RVA) pacing has historically been the default approach for cardiac pacing; however, it is associated with the development of progressive left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure (HF), particularly in patients with high pacing burdens. While advances in device programming and modern algorithms have sought to mitigate these effects, preserving physiological activation has proven to be more critical than reducing ventricular pacing. Conduction system pacing (CSP) techniques—namely, His-bundle pacing (HBP) and particularly left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP)—have emerged as superior alternatives, enabling improved left ventricular function and reduced rates of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM). Nevertheless, despite the clinical advantages of these procedures over RVA, they face limitations including variable implantation success rates, increased pacing thresholds and lead revision rates, technical challenges, and occasional procedure prolongation. Thus, while CSP approaches represent the future of physiological pacing, RVA pacing continues to provide a necessary and reliable option in the current clinical practice.