Permanent pacemaker implantation after aortic valve replacement: Long-term dependency or rhythm recovery?

Abstract

IntroductionConduction disturbances requiring permanent pacemaker (PM) implantation occur in 3–12% of patients after aortic valve replacement (AVR). Our aim was to assess long-term PM dependency and its predictors in these patients. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of all consecutive patients undergoing permanent PM implantation after AVR between January 2004 and December 2010. Absence of sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation with appropriate ventricular response at a pacing rate of 30 bpm for 10 s was defined as pacemaker dependency. ResultsNinety-one patients underwent permanent PM implantation and during follow-up (1026.6±732.0 days) 64% of them did not recover rhythm. Age, conduction disorders on the preoperative ECG, negative chronotropic medication before surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times did not influence rhythm recovery. In multivariate analysis, valvular disease etiology related to endocarditis, prosthetic dysfunction and bicuspid valve were associated with long-term PM dependency (OR 5.05; CI: 1.43–17.75). ConclusionsThe majority of patients undergoing permanent PM implantation after AVR did not recover from conduction disorders during follow-up. The etiology of valvular disease was an independent predictor of late PM dependence.