Page 85 - Simplicity is Key in CRT

Conclusion
Currently used LBBB definitions differ significantly in the patient populations which are classified as LBBB. Regardless of the definition used, outcome is significantly better in LBBB than in non-LBBB patients. Only three individual ECG criteria used in LBBB definitions were associated with clinical outcome, suggesting that LBBB definitions may be simplified. Combining these three criteria to a novel model performed as good as the more complicated LBBB definitions.
Implications and perspectives
CRT remains an important part of current heart failure therapy. Current patient selection is largely based on QRS morphology criteria, which are diverse and complex. The results reassure that no matter which LBBB definition is used it is associated with better outcome in CRT. However as different LBBB definitions classify different patients as LBBB, this will lead to heterogeneity in global CRT practice. In trying to combine individual ECG characteristics associated with outcome, this does not improve diagnostic properties and thus it appears that in trying to improve patient selection methods, we need to find another method identifying the same electrical substrate of LBBB, but presenting it in a way that it can be easily and objectively interpreted.
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