Abstract 11067: Off-Heparin Implantation of Leadless Pacemaker, a Single Center Study

Abstract

Introduction: Leadless pacing(LP) technology has been expanding in recent practice as an alternative to traditional pacing This technology is associated with reduce complications such as infection, dislodgment, and hardware burden. There has been recent reports on effusions with its implantation .Historically the manufacturer has recommend bolus of heparin or infusions We present the results and operative outcomes of patients who received a LP without initial heparinization or infusion from 2016 to 2021 at a single center. Objective We sought to describe the outcomes of LP implantation without the need of heparin administration. Methods: We report the clinical outcomes and operative findings of 200 patients who underwent LP implantation without initial heparin loading or infusions . An aggressive flushing strategy of the sheaths before and during the procedures was performed Data recorded include indication, ejection fraction (EF) R waves, capture thresholds, ventricular ectopy on deployment,recaptures, procedure times, and complications. Patients on chronic anticoagulation were excluded Results: A total of 200 patients were included , average age was 77 years and 20 (10%) had a reduced EF (<40%) pre-procedure. The most common indications included complete AV block (97, 48.5%) and atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response (76, 38%). All patients (100%) had successful establishment of ventricular pacing with no short-term complications postoperatively. Average R waves after deployment were 9.7 with average capture thresholds of 0.84 @ 0.24 Ventricular ectopy was seen for 134 (67%) of patients upon deployment with 62 (31%) patients requiring recaptures, and 29 (14.5%) requiring more than one recapture. There was no evidence of thrombus in the sheaths or implanting instruments . There were no embolic or thrombotic complications. Conclusions: LP implantation is highly effective and efficacious in establishing single-chamber ventricular pacing for a variety of conduction pathologies with minimal complications postoperatively. It appears that an aggressive flushing strategy of the implanting equipment & sheaths is safe & effective without the need of heparinization. Further studies will be require to validate this strategy