Case report: Three-dimensional printing as an educational tool for optimal lead positioning to left bundle branch pacing

Abstract

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Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) has been widely adopted as a physiological pacing approach. However, LBBP fails to achieve in some cases because it is difficult to maintain the orientation of the lead tip perpendicular to the interventricular septum (IVS). Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has emerged as a promising tool for modeling and teaching cardiovascular interventions. Seeking confirmation of optimal lead placement relative to the IVS, we used 3D printing technology to generate a 3D printed heart from a selected patient with successful and proven LBBP. Our model successfully illustrated that the lead tip was perpendicular to the IVS. Application of the 3D technology has potential to help the early-operator understand the optimal lead placement relative to IVS and diminish the learning-curve.

Keywords

• left bundle branch area
• physiological pacing
• 3-dimensional printing
• interventricular septum
• pacing lead