GMC Anantnag Makes History with 50 Successful LBBA Pacing Cases Using Basic C-arm
Anantnag : In a groundbreaking achievement, Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag’s Cardiology team has set a global record by performing 50 Left Bundle Branch Area (LBBA) pacing cases within just three months, using only a basic C-arm X-ray machine. This milestone places GMC Anantnag at the forefront of cardiology innovation, as they are the only institution in the world to successfully perform this advanced procedure without specialized Electrophysiology (EP) lab backup.
The achievement, led by Dr. Syed Maqbool, Dr. Shamim Iqbal, and Dr. Showkat Shah, showcases the institution’s resourcefulness and expertise in delivering cutting-edge cardiac care in a peripheral hospital setting. Dr. Rukhsana Najeeb, Principal of GMC Anantnag, praised the team’s relentless efforts, noting, “We had already performed 50 conventional pacemaker procedures, and now we have added 50 more advanced pacemakers, taking the institution’s cardiac care to new heights.”
LBBA pacing, a more advanced technique compared to traditional pacemaker implantation, utilizes the heart’s natural conduction system to deliver electrical signals, thus offering a more effective and sustainable solution for patients with conduction system diseases. Unlike conventional pacemakers, which are implanted in the right ventricle and can cause complications like Pacemaker-Induced Cardiomyopathy (PICM), LBBA pacing prevents such long-term risks, providing patients with better long-term outcomes.
The procedure was first introduced in 2017, and while it is now widely adopted worldwide, it is typically performed in fully equipped cardiac labs with EP support. However, GMC Anantnag’s team has defied expectations by utilizing a basic C-arm X-ray system, overcoming technical challenges with exceptional skill and determination. In doing so, they’ve become pioneers in the field.
The team’s remarkable success rate of 95% with no reported deaths underscores their expertise in performing this complex procedure. Patients undergoing LBBA pacing at GMC Anantnag have ranged from young individuals to the elderly, with conditions such as heart failure, diabetes, kidney disease, and even cancer. The patients have benefited from the advanced pacing technique, which is proving to be a game-changer for those suffering from heart block, heart failure, and other conduction issues.
Despite limited resources, the team, supported by dedicated staff from the operating theatre and ICU, remained committed to improving patient outcomes. Dr. Syed Maqbool reflected on the experience: “We faced significant challenges, but the desire to provide our patients with the best possible care kept us motivated.”
The success of LBBA pacing at GMC Anantnag is not just a significant achievement for the institution but also a major advancement for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This milestone has solidified GMC Anantnag’s position as a leader in cardiac care and highlights the potential of peripheral hospitals to adopt and excel with advanced medical technologies.
Looking ahead, the team is confident that their success will inspire other healthcare institutions to embrace innovation, even in resource-limited settings, and adopt newer life-saving technologies to improve patient care globally.
