This is a prospective, randomized, double blind, control trial with follow up visits at 6- and 12-months following randomization. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 allocation to either the control group [optimal medical therapy (OMT) + CRT + ANVA] or the treatment group [OMT + LBBAP + ANVA]. Randomization will be stratified by site and LVEF. In each group, the patient will undergo the pacing procedure (CRT or LBBAP) within 10 working days of randomization. They will be assessed by a physician one week after the CRT procedure, and if eligible, they will undergo an AVNA within 1-4 weeks. Success of these treatment plans will be evaluated primarily based on the change in NT-proBNP from baseline to 6- and 12-month follow ups. At baseline and follow up visits study staff and physicians will collect participants' medical history, complete a Physical Exam and an NYHA Class Assessment, a medication assessment, and a 6 Minute Walk Test. Participants will also be asked to complete Quality of Life Questionnaires (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score, KCCQ and EQ-5D-5L), have an ECG and TTE performed if they have not had one performed recently, non- invasive hemodynamic measurements (if available), and complete routine bloodwork and an NT-proBNP test. The adequacy of HF treatment will be assessed clinically, and medications optimized and recorded. Device diagnostics will be assessed and recorded as to whether there are arrhythmias and to determine the appropriateness of device programming. Secondary study outcomes include QoL scores (MLHFQ, KCCQ and EQ-5D), as well as 6MWT distance, and change in echocardiogram parameters (including change in LVESV index from baseline, change in global longitudinal LV systolic strain from baseline, and change in LVEF from baseline at 6-month and 12-month followup). Secondary outcomes also include radiation exposure between LBBAP and CRT, feasibility of achieving conduction system pacing with LBBAP compared to CRT, and acute and long-term hemodynamic change due to either CRT or LBBAP (i.e., non-invasive hemodynamic measurements before and after AV node ablation including systolic BP, diastolic BP, cardiac output, stroke volume, total peripheral resistance, and pulse pressure).
This trial will compare two management strategies for HF patients with Atrial Fibrillation. The active control group will undergo BiV pacing, followed by an AV node ablation. The experimental group will undergo LBBAP, followed by an AV node ablation.