Permanent Pacemaker Treatment Research Articles

Diabetes Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving Permanent Pacemaker: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study.

Background Type 2 diabetes was associated with a higher risk for permanent pacemaker (PPM) treatment. The difference in cardiovascular outcomes between patients with and without diabetes receiving PPM treatment remains unexplored. Method Between January 2003 and December 2017, 1742 patients receiving naïve PPM treatment comprised this retrospective cohort study and were categorized into two groups by the diagnosis of diabetes: group with diabetes (n = 632, 36.3%) and group without diabetes (n = 1110, 63.7%). The primary outcome was cardiovascular events including heart failure (HF) hospitalization and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The secondary outcomes of this study included pacemaker infection, pacing-induced cardiomyopathy, cerebrovascular accident, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to reduce selection bias between the study groups. Result During a mean follow-up period of 7.8 ± 4.8 years, 264 patients had a cardiovascular event. Before PSM, the incidence of cardiovascular events was higher in patients with diabetes compared to patients without diabetes (19.8% vs. 12.5%, P < 0.001), and the incidences of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality were all higher in patients with diabetes compared to patients without diabetes. After PSM, the incidence of cardiovascular events was higher in patients with diabetes compared to patients without diabetes (18.8% vs. 12.3%, P = 0.015). The incidence of HF hospitalization was higher in patients with diabetes compared to patients without diabetes (15.3% vs. 10.2%, P = 0.037), whereas the incidence of AMI did not differ between the two groups. Moreover, after PSM, patients with diabetes had higher cumulative incidences of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy and all-cause mortality compared to patients without diabetes. Conclusions The prevalence of diabetes was over one-third of naïve PPM recipients of this cohort, and diabetes increased the risk of cardiovascular events in PPM recipients, especially for HF hospitalization.

Pre-intervention left ventricular mechanical dispersion is increased in patients in need for pacemaker after TAVI

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background and Purpose Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is an effective therapy for patients with severe aortic stenosis. Complete atrioventricular block (AVB) that requires permanent pacemaker treatment is a common complication of TAVI and it is reported in up to one fifth of patients. Prediction of this complication could be important. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and left ventricular mechanical dispersion (LVMD) by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) are novel techniques that detect subtle changes in myocardial function and are related to myocardial fibrosis. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between LVMD and AVB development after TAVI. Methods We retrospectively screened 168 consecutive patients after TAVI. Patients with abnormal ECG and changed conduction pre- and post-TAVI were excluded. Data from the remaining 61 patients were compared to the group of 16 patients in need for a permanent pacemaker. Baseline echocardiograms recorded before TAVI were used to assess GLS and LVMD by STE (Figure). Results Of the 77 patients analysed, 60% were female (82 ± 7 years old). The mean GLS values were -16.8 ± 4.2% and -16.9 ± 3.7% in AVB and no AVB groups, respectively (p = 0.9). The mean LVMD was 60 ± 19 ms in AVB group and 50 ± 16 ms in no-AVB group (p = 0.04). (Table) Conclusion LVMD was increased in patients who developed TAVI-induced complete AVB, while GLS could not differentiate between post-procedural normal and abnormal electrical conduction. This finding may be important to identify myocardial properties associated with complete AVB after TAVI. Abstract Table Abstract Figure

Are Sutureless and Rapid-Deployment Aortic Valves a Serious Alternative to TA-TAVI? A Matched-Pairs Analysis.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a feasible alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement with expanding indication extending to low-risk patients. Sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valves were developed to decrease procedural risks in conventional treatment. This paired-match analysis aims to compare patients undergoing surgical transcatheter aortic valve implantation to sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valve implantation. Methods: Retrospective database analysis between 2010 and 2016 revealed 214 patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures through surgical access (predominantly transapical) and 62 sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valve procedures including 26 patients in need of concomitant coronary artery bypass surgery. After matching, 52 pairs of patients were included and analyzed. Results: In-hospital death (5.8% vs. 3.8%; p = 0.308) was comparable between transcatheter aortic valve implantation (mean age 77 ± 4.3 years) and sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valve implantation groups (mean age 75 ± 4.0 years), including 32 females in each group. The logistic EuroSCORE was similar (19 ± 12 vs. 17 ± 10; p = 0.257). Postoperative renal failure (p = 0.087) and cerebrovascular accidents (p = 0.315) were without significant difference. The incidence of complete heart block requiring permanent pacemaker treatment was relatively low for both groups (1.9% vs. 7.7%; p = 0.169) for TAVI and sutureless and rapid-deployment valves respectively. Intraoperative use of blood transfusion was higher in the sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valve implantation group (0.72 U vs. 1.46 U, p = 0.014). Estimated survival calculated no significant difference between both groups after 6 months (transcatheter aortic valve implantation: 74 ± 8% vs. sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valve implantation: 92 ± 5%; log rank p = 0.097). Conclusion: Since sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valve implantation is as safe and effective as transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation, combining the advantage of standard diseased-valve removal with shorter procedural times, sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement may be considered as an alternative for patients with elevated operative risk considered to be in the “gray zone” between transcatheter aortic valve implantation and conventional surgery, especially if concomitant myocardial revascularization is required.

Outcome in young patients with isolated complete atrioventricular block and permanent pacemaker treatment: A nationwide study of 127 patients

Subgroups of pacemaker (PM)-treated children with isolated complete atrioventricular block are at risk of developing left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. We aimed to compare the long-term outcome in anti-SSA-Ro/SSB-La antibody-exposed (AB+) and unexposed (AB-) patients and identify preimplantation variables associated with poor outcome. In total, 127 PM-treated patients aged 0-17 years with isolated complete atrioventricular block were studied retrospectively. Sixty-three patients were diagnosed prenatally, of whom 92% were AB+. Before PM treatment, fractional shortening (FS) z-score was significantly lower in AB+ patients than in AB- patients (-0.14 ± 3.6 vs 2.03 ± 2.3). Before PM implantation, there were sex differences (male/female) in median time from diagnosis to PM implantation (0.2 years vs 1.0 years), median neonatal heart rate (50 beats/min vs 60 beats/min), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) z-score (2.68 ± 1.41 vs 1.74 ± 1.40), and FS (-0.19 ± 3.38 vs 1.42 ± 2.98). The median age at PM implantation was 3.2 years, and median follow-up was 8.7 years. At follow-up, LVEDD and FS did not differ significantly between AB+ and AB- patients, but LVEDD was higher in patients diagnosed before 1 month of age. Nine patients (8%) developed LV dysfunction, and 4 died. LV dysfunction was associated with diagnosis before 1 month of age and abnormal LV function before PM implantation. LV dysfunction at follow-up was seen only in cases diagnosed before 1 month, with abnormal echocardiography before PM implantation. Boys had a more compromised cardiac status and were paced at an earlier age than girls. Fetal AB exposure and male sex were related to abnormal LV function before PM therapy, but not at follow-up.

Spinal cord stimulation for refractory stable angina pectoris in patients with chronic pacemaker treatment

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a safe treatment modality in patients with severe angina pectoris. We studied possible interactions of procedures in patients treated with both, SCS for angina pectoris and permanent pacemaker (PPM) treatment for bradyarrhythmias. Methods used Since January 2001, we performed SCS in 61 patients (pts.) (48 men, 13 women, age 65±8 years, bmi 27±9 kg/qm). Nine pts. additionally needed PPM treatment for bradyarrhythmias. All pts. had severe angina pectoris (III to IV [39/22] according to Canadian Cardiovascular Society) under considered medication due to angiographically documented end-stage coronary artery disease (CAD), which could not be treated interventionally. After 3 to 5 days of successful test stimulation using an epidural lead a commercially available implantable pulse generator is placed in a subcutaneous pouch below the costal arch. Results In 58 pts. (95%) angina pectoris could be reduced significantly. In 3 pts. the lead was removed because of ineffectivity during the test period. There was no interaction between neurostimulation and PPM treatment during follow-up of 1 to 38 (mean 20±12) months. DDD pacemaker were used in bipolar sensing mode: n=4 Medtronic, n=3 Biotronik, n=2 Guidant. View this table: Conclusion SCS has proved to be a safe procedure in patients with severe angina pectoris and PPM treatment with bipolar sensing mode.

Long-term outcome of paced and nonpaced patients with severe carotid sinus syndrome

The natural history of patients with severe carotid sinus syndrome, and the efficacy of permanent pacemaker treatment are not clearly known. A randomized treatment/nontreatment prospective study was performed in 60 patients affected by carotid sinus syndrome whose symptoms were judged to involve risk of major trauma or interfered with their daily activity. They were randomly assigned to 2 groups: 28 patients to no therapy (nonpacing group), and 32 to VVI (n = 18) or DDD (n = 14) pacemaker implant (pacing group). Syncope recurred in 16 patients (57%) of the nopacing group (mean follow-up 36 ± 10 months) and in only 3 (9%) of the pacing group (mean follow-up 34 ± 10 months) (p = 0.0002); moreover, 19 (68%) in the nonpacing group needed a secondary pacemaker implant because of the severity of symptoms. The actuarial rate of absence of syncopal recurrence after 1, 2, 3 and 4 years was 64, 54, 38 and 38%, respectively, for the nonpacing group, and 100, 97, 93 and 84%, respectively, for the pacing group (p = 0.0001). The actuarial rate of absence of minor symptoms after 1, 2, 3 and 4 years was 21, 14, 7 and 7%, respectively, for the nonpacing group and 66, 43, 27 and 27%, respectively, for the pacing group (p = 0.002). Reproducibility of carotid sinus reflex was tested after 15 ± 8 months in 54 patients; an abnormal response to carotid sinus massage persisted in all 54. In conclusion, symptoms recur in most patients with untreated carotid sinus syndrome, and pacing is a useful therapy for preventing recurrences.

Disopyramide induced second and third degree atrioventricular block in patients with bifascicular block. An acute stress test to predict atrioventricular block progression.

Syncopal attacks in patients with bifascicular block may be due to both ventricular tachyarrhythmias and intermittent atrioventricular block in addition to non-cardiac causes and lead to antiarrhythmic treatment with drugs or pacemaker or both. The acute electrophysiological effect of intravenous disopyramide 2 mg/kg body weight given over five minutes on the His-Purkinje system was assessed in 27 patients with chronic bifascicular block undergoing evaluation for permanent pacemaker treatment. The predictive value of this pharmacological stress test as regards the development of atrioventricular block during follow up was analysed. The HV interval increased (mean 43%) and the QRS duration was prolonged (mean 24%). Intrahisian or infrahisian second or third degree atrioventricular block occurred in 14 patients after disopyramide administration, requiring temporary pacing in four of them. Before the electrophysiological study 15 of the 27 patients had had at least two syncopal attacks of suspected cardiac origin but no evidence of second or third degree atrioventricular block. Second or third degree atrioventricular block was subsequently recorded in five of these 15 patients during a mean of two years follow up. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of second or third degree atrioventricular block produced by disopyramide administration including subsequent atrial pacing--a positive disopyramide test--as regards later development of atrioventricular block were 80%, 90%, and 80% respectively. Intravenous administration of disopyramide to patients with bifascicular block and syncopal attacks of suspected cardiac origin may provoke atrioventricular block and asystole requiring immediate temporary pacing. Furthermore, a positive disopyramide test seems to have a significant value in predicting the later development of atrioventricular block.

Pacemaker dependence in patients with bifascicular block during acute anterior myocardial infarction.

Eleven patients with bifascicular block complicating anteroseptal acute myocardial infarction were studied to determine the effect of prophylactic permanent pacing; eight of them also had transient high grade atrioventricular block during the acute phase of the infarction. One month after the infarction an electrophysiological study was performed and a bradycardia indicating pacemaker implanted. All the patients were followed for two years. Six had bradycardia detected, two of whom did not have high grade atrioventricular block during the index infarction. Seven patients died, four of them suddenly. There was no correlation between the electrophysiological findings and subsequent development of bradycardia. Thus pacemaker dependence seems to be common in patients with bifascicular block complicating acute myocardial infarction. Mortality is, however, also high in patients treated with pacemakers. Prospective studies to determine the predictive factors in those patients with an anterior acute myocardial infarction and who benefit from a combination of permanent pacemaker treatment and antiarrhythmic treatment are needed.

Permanent pacemaker treatment in older age groups.

Of 693 patients on permanent pacemaker treatment between 1962 and 1981, 282 (40.7%) were above the age of 75. Of this number, 142 patients were 75-79 years, 95 80-84 years and 45 85-93 (mean 87) years old at the time of the first pacemaker implantation. The patients were followed for 13-154 months (mean 37.1) with special attention being paid to morbidity and mortality after the implantation. Complications occurred in 65 (23%) of the elderly patients, with no significant difference between the three age groups. Excessive threshold rise with stimulation failure (6%) and infections or skin erosions (4.9%) were the most frequent complications. Mortality increased in all age groups during the first 6-12 months compared with the age- and sex-matched Norwegian population. Five-year survival rates were 56, 32 and 25% respectively. We conclude that cardiac pacemaker treatment in the elderly is a safe symptom-relieving therapeutic procedure and that the prognosis for these patients is similar to that for their fellow senior citizens after the first year of treatment.

Complete heart block--another HLA B27 associated disease manifestation.

An increased prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis and other HLA B27-associated rheumatic diseases has recently been demonstrated in a group of men with permanent pacemaker-treatment. The purpose of the present study was to find out if HLA B27 was associated with severe bradyarrhythmias also in the absence of rheumatic disease. The frequency of B27 was determined in 83 permanently paced men with complete heart block, in whom presence of radiological or clinical signs of a B27-associated rheumatic disease had been excluded. Eighty-four healthy subjects were HLA typed for comparison. HLA B27 was found in 17% of the patients and in 6% of the controls, a significant difference with P = 0.017 (Fisher's exact test). The present study suggests that, in a subgroup of patients with complete heart block, the development of heart block is B27-associated, and that the pathophysiological mechanism is similar to that leading to ankylosing spondylitis. Another B27-associated disease manifestation has been demonstrated.

Septicaemia and endocarditis--uncommon but serious complications in connection with permanent cardiac pacing.

Between 1971 and 1978 septicaemia was observed in 14 patients undergoing permanent pacemaker treatment. The causative microorganisms were: S. aureus (9), S. epidermidis (3), alfa-haemolytic streptococci + P. morganii (1), enterococci (1). In 4 patients, a mural endocarditis of the right atrial wall surrounding the electrode was found at operation or autopsy. The interval between the preceding pacemaker operation and onset of septicaemia varied between 2 days and 23 months (median 2 months). In 5 patients, the last operation before septicaemia was performed because of local infection in the pacemaker pocket or along the electrode. A probable portal of entry was found in 11 patients. The electrode was the origin in 8, the pacemaker pocket in one, and a focus outside the pacemaker system in 2. Of the 6 patients treated with antibiotics alone, 3 were cured, 2 died and one is still on treatment. Eight patients underwent various surgical procedures in addition to the antibiotic treatment. In 4 the electrode was completely removed. In 2 of them cardiotomy during extracorporeal circulation had to be used. All of these patients were cured. In 3 the pacemaker system was partially extracted. Only one of them was cured, one developed osteomyelitis and one died. Based on our experience, we now recommend that all foreign material should be removed, if possible, in the presence of septicaemia and/or endocarditis, and that parenteral antibiotic treatment should be given for at least 6 weeks.

Sinoatrial disease in acute myocardial infarction. Long-term prognosis.

Of 32 patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by sinoatrial disease, 23 survived. All 23 had inferior infarction. During follow-up lasting 4 to 6 years only one patient developed severe chronic sinoatrial disease (sick sinus syndrome) necessitating permanent pacemaker treatment; twelve others died during this time. In 2 of them death was sudden 5 and 6 months after infarction. Atrial pacing studies in 7 of the 11 patients still alive showed no gross abnormalities. A review of 71 patients with chronic sinoatrial disease treated with a permanent pacemaker revealed only 5 with previous documented infarction. The present data suggest that sinus node dysfunction in patients surviving acute infarction is most often only temporary as is atrioventricular block. Occasionally, however, severe chronic sinoatrial disease requiring a permanent pacemaker may develop later, and this course of events is most likely to occur in those patients who had additional complications during the acute infarct.

Permanent Pacemaker Treatment at Gentofte Hospital

Results of a follow-up study of 125 patients treated with permanent pacemakers at Gentofte Hospital during the years 1962--1973 are presented. Complications with endocardial electrodes are reported and longevity curves of pacemaker units are given. The series shows a high frequency of electrode displacement in the first three months and battery exhaustion from the 18th to the 42nd month. The appearance of complications correlates with the frequences of check-up intervals. In order to predict pacing failure due to battery exhaustion, there would seem to be some merit in carrying out an oscilloscopic display of the pulse artifact in addition to the usual measurement of pulse frequency. The aim of this retrospective report is, by analysing a pacemaker series for sudden eletrode failures and battery longevity, to comment on the value of check-up procedures in an outpatient pacemaker clinic.

Displacement and fracture of pacemaker electrode during physical exertion. Report on three cases.

Abstract Three patients with electrode failure arising during permanent pacemaker treatment for AV block are discussed. The physical capacity of all three was improved after pacemaker implantation. In patients 1 and 3 electrode displacement took place during apple picking and lobster fishing. In patient 2 pacemaker implantation was carried out in connection with the insertion of an aortic ball valve prosthesis. He has later been in functional class I. Electrode fracture took place while he was carrying a 50‐kg flour sack, the central fragment of the electrode being displaced to the right ventricle, where it has remained coiled up for 2 years, the battery and peripheral fragment of the electrode having been removed. Patients with good cardiac function after pacemaker implantation should therefore be warned against vigorous physical exertion which may directly affect the pacemaker system.