Pacemaker implantation after surgical aortic valve replacement and balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Incidence, predictors, and prognosis

Background

Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains a significant challenge despite new-generation devices.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify predictors of PPI during preoperative evaluation and assess its mid-term impact in a single-center, real-world setting.

Methods

From 2010 to 2020, 1486 patients with aortic stenosis underwent surgical aortic valve replacement or TAVI using balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valves. The PPI rate was estimated using the hospital discharge record for each patient in the Emilia-Romagna region.

Results

The 30-day incidence of PPI in the TAVI group was 3.4%. While 30-day PPI did not affect overall survival (log-rank, P = .494 NS), it predicted rehospitalization due to cardiac causes (hazard ratio 10.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 95% 3.41–31.00; P <.001). Calcifications in the leaflet (odds ratio [OR] 4.66; 95% CI 1.41–15.47; P = .012), left ventricular outflow tract (OR 4.51; 95% CI 1.48–13.76; P = .008), and device landing zone (OR 2.52; 9% CI 0.86–7.40; P = .093) were associated with a higher risk of PPI.

Conclusion

A low 30-day PPI incidence was observed, primarily because of the exclusive use of balloon-expandable SAPIEN transcatheter heart valves and high implantation techniques. Baseline factors such as leaflet, left ventricular outflow tract, and device landing zone calcifications, as well as right bundle branch block, highlight the need for comprehensive preoperative analysis to reduce PPI incidence and mitigate its associated longer hospital stays and rehospitalizations due to cardiac causes.