Pre-existing Right Bundle Branch Block Research Articles

Clinical validation of the 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on pre-existing right bundle branch block patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Abstract Introduction The management of patients with right bundle branch block (RBBB) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains challenging. In these patients, the 2021 ESC guidelines recommend early pacemaker (PM) implantation in case of PR prolongation, QRS axis change or transient high-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB). However, evidence for the proposed criteria is scarce. Purpose Our aim was to evaluate the ESC recommendation for risk stratification of RBBB patients undergoing TAVR. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients with pre-existing RBBB undergoing TAVR at our institution between 2011-2023. A surface 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was available before and after procedure in all patients. The following, proposed ESC criteria were validated: ΔPR interval ≥ 20ms, QRS axis change or transient HAVB < 24 hours after TAVR. Results Of a total 1412 patients undergoing TAVR, 109 had pre-existing RBBB and were eligible for final analysis (mean age 83±5 years, 39% female). Of 109 RBBB patients, 36 (33%) developed persistent HAVB and received a permanent PM. Among the other 73 patients (67%), 17 patients (23%) suffered delayed HAVB during 30-days FU. When applying the ESC Guidelines, PM placement would have been indicated in 52% (38/73) of patients with RBBB after TAVR: due to transient HAVB in 17 (23%), due to PR prolongation ≥ 20ms in 19 (26%) and due to QRS axis change in 20 patients (27%). The proposed ESC criteria identified 82% of patients (14/17) with delayed HAVB during 30-day FU, while missing 3 patients (18%, 2.8% of overall cohort, Figure). This resulted in a sensitivity of 82% and a negative predictive value of 91%. Among the 17 patients with delayed HAVB, 12 patients (71%) displayed transient atrioventricular (AV) block within 24 hours after TAVR. Conclusion In this large cohort of RBBB patients undergoing TAVR with contemporary valves and techniques, the proposed ESC criteria of PR prolongation, QRS axis change or transient HAVB correctly identified 4/5 patients developing HAVB during 30-day FU. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Assessing post-TAVR cardiac conduction abnormalities risk using an electromechanically coupled beating heart.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has rapidly displaced surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). However, certain post-TAVR complications persist, with cardiac conduction abnormalities (CCA) being one of the major ones. The elevated pressure exerted by the TAVR stent onto the conduction fibers situated between the aortic annulus and the His bundle, in proximity to the atrioventricular (AV) node, may disrupt the cardiac conduction leading to the emergence of CCA. In this study, an in silico framework was developed to assess the CCA risk, incorporating the effect of a dynamic beating heart and preprocedural parameters such as implantation depth and preexisting cardiac asynchrony in the new onset of post-TAVR CCA. A self-expandable TAVR device deployment was simulated inside an electromechanically coupled beating heart model in five patient scenarios, including three implantation depths and two preexisting cardiac asynchronies: (i) a right bundle branch block (RBBB) and (ii) a left bundle branch block (LBBB). Subsequently, several biomechanical parameters were analyzed to assess the post-TAVR CCA risk. The results manifested a lower cumulative contact pressure on the conduction fibers following TAVR for aortic deployment (0.018MPa) compared to nominal condition (0.29MPa) and ventricular deployment (0.52MPa). Notably, the preexisting RBBB demonstrated a higher cumulative contact pressure (0.34MPa) compared to the nominal condition and preexisting LBBB (0.25MPa). Deeper implantation and preexisting RBBB cause higher stresses and contact pressure on the conduction fibers leading to an increased risk of post-TAVR CCA. Conversely, implantation above the MS landmark and preexisting LBBB reduces the risk.

Risk Assessment of Permanent Pacemaker Implantation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients With Preexisting Right Bundle Branch Block

Preexisting right bundle branch block (RBBB) is the strongest predictor for permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, the risk assessment for new PPI and effective procedural strategy for preventing new PPI in patients with preexisting RBBB are still unclear. This study stratified the new PPI risk after TAVI and investigated the impact of implantation strategy in a preexisting RBBB cohort. We analyzed 237 patients with preexisting RBBB who underwent TAVI. The primary endpoint was the incidence of new PPI. Multivariate analyses investigating predictors for new PPI were performed. The overall PPI rate was 33.3%. Significant baseline predictors for new PPI were combination of RBBB, left anterior or posterior fascicular block, and first-degree atrioventricular block (odds ratio [OR] 2.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09 to 5.04), high calcium volume of noncoronary cusp (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.05 to 4.10), and membranous septum (MS) length <2mm (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.75) in the univariate analysis and MS length <2mm (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.06 to 4.82) in the multivariate analysis. On the multivariate analysis including procedural variables, predilatation (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.01 to 5.83), self-expanding valves (Corevalve, Evolut R, and Evolut Pro/Pro+; Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota) or mechanical expanding valves (Lotus/Lotus Edge; Boston Scientifics, Marlborough, Massachusetts) (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.31 to 6.91), and implantation depth > MS length (OR 4.27, 95% CI 1.81 to 10.08) were significantly associated with new PPI. The incidence of new PPI increased according to the number of baseline predictors (0: 20.9%, 1: 34.3%, and ≥2: 52.0%) and procedural predictors (0: 3.7%, 1: 20.9%, 2: 40.5%, and 3: 60.0%). New PPI risk in a preexisting RBBB subset could be stratified by baseline factors. Device selection and implantation strategy considering MS length could prevent new PPI even in these high-risk population.

Calcification of aortic valve cusps as independent predictor for permanent pacemaker requirement after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Abstract Background High-degree atrioventricular (AV) block represents a frequent complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Extension of indication for TAVI towards subjects with lower surgical risk requires to reduce the likelihood for the need of permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation. Purpose We examined the role of calcification of the aortic valve cusps and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) as potential predictors for PPM implantation after TAVI. Methods In a cohort of 1200 consecutive patients without PPM who underwent transfemoral TAVI, clinical and procedural characteristics as well as requirement for PPM implantation after TAVI were assessed systematically. In all patients, cardiac computed tomography (CT) was performed before TAVI including quantitative assessment of calcium volume of the aortic valve cusps and the LVOT in mm3 (see figure). Results Median patient age was 81 (IQR 7) years, 50% were male. 9.8% of patients had a pre-existing complete right bundle branch block (RBBB) in ECG. 68% of subjects received a balloon-expandable valve, 32% a self-expandable valve. Postinterventional PPM implantation was necessary in n=155 subjects (13%) due to high-degree AV block. In this group of subjects, calcification of the aortic valve cusps was more pronounced than in the group of subjects without high-degree AV block (see table). Univariate regression analysis revealed pre-existing complete RBBB (p&amp;lt;0.001, OR 8.564), implantation of a self-expandable prosthesis (p=0.013, OR 1.549) as well as calcification of the non-coronary (p=0.016, OR 1.001) and left-coronary cusp (p=0.025, OR 1.001) as significant predictors for PPM implantation. In multivariate regression analysis, these predictors – including calcification of the non-coronary cusp (p=0.037, OR 1.001) remained significant. With every mm3 of calcification, risk for high-degree AV block and PPM implantation increases by 0.1%. With a median calcification of 225 mm3 of the non-coronary cusp, this would make a 22.5% relative risk increase. Conclusion In a large cohort of 1200 patients, the volume of aortic cusp calcification, in particular calcification of the non-coronary cusp, was identified as independent predictor for PPM implantation following transcatheter aortic valve implantation. This might be explained by the anatomical proximity of both the AV node and left Tawara branch to the non-coronary cusp, resulting in a higher risk of compression during valve implantation. Our results may contribute to improved risk stratification regarding the need for PPM implantation after TAVI.Assessment of calcium volumeComparison of calcification

Native aortic leaflets and permanent pacemaker implantation risk following balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation

ObjectivePermanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) risk is higher following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) than surgical valve replacement. Native aortic leaflets are retained in patients undergoing TAVI, unlike in surgical valve replacement. Whether the retained leaflets influence PPI risk because of their proximity to the conduction system is unknown. The study sought to determine the association between infra-annular extension of native right coronary cusp/noncoronary cusp (RCC/NCC) post balloon-expandable TAVI and PPI risk. MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 190 patients undergoing balloon-expandable TAVI at a single center. Manifestation of infra-annular extension of RCC/NCC was considered to be present when part of leaflet extended below aortic–annular plane on post-implantation aortic-root angiography. ResultsInfra-annular extension of RCC/NCC was observed in 33 patients (17.37%). PPI incidence post-TAVI was higher in patients with infra-annular extension of RCC/NCC than in those without (36.36% versus 8.92%, relative-risk: 4.08, p˂0.0001). On logistic-regression analysis, preexisting right bundle-branch block (RBBB) (odds-ratio: 12.73, 95% confidence-interval: 2.16–74.93, p = 0.005), and infra-annular extension of RCC/NCC (odds-ratio: 5.63, 95% confidence-interval: 2.17–14.58, p < 0.0001) were independently associated with PPI risk. Preexisting RBBB (φ = +0.25, p = 0.001) and infra-annular extension of RCC/NCC (φ = +0.30, p < 0.0001) showed a positive-correlation with PPI risk. Infra-annular extension of RCC/NCC was a significant predictor of PPI risk on receiver-operating-characteristic curve analysis (area under-the-curve 0.67; 95% confidence-interval: 0.54–0.79, p = 0.006). ConclusionThe retained native aortic leaflets play a significant role in PPI risk following balloon-expandable TAVI. Infra-annular extension of RCC/NCC is a novel predictor, and is associated with a four-fold higher risk of PPI.

PO-05-022 OUTCOMES FOR POST-TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT CONDUCTION ABNORMALITIES WITHOUT CLEAR INDICATION FOR PERMANENT PACING

Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) often develop conduction abnormalities in the postprocedural period. While high-grade AV block (HAVB), which includes 3rd degree & 2nd degree type 2 Mobitz AV block, is a clear indication for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation, other conduction abnormalities do not have a clear indication for PPM. Outcomes and predictors for subsequent PPM in this population is lacking. To investigate outcomes of non-HAVB conduction abnormalities in the immediate post-TAVR setting. We conducted a single-center retrospective study on patient characteristics and outcomes of patients without PPM who underwent TAVR between June 2020 and March 2022 that developed non-HAVB conduction abnormalities without a clear indication for pacing (Table 1A). All these patients received thirty-day ambulatory event monitoring (AEM) at discharge. A total of a hundred and sixty patients underwent TAVR; thirteen patients outright received a new PPM for HAVB while thirty-six patients developed non-HAVB and were discharged with AEM. Mean age was 79.8 ± 6.1 years, mean ejection fraction (EF) was 62.1 ± 9.1%, mean maximum aortic valve velocity was 3.9 ± 0.5 m/sec, average mean gradient across the valve was 36.8 ± 10.0 mmHg, and mean aortic valve area was 0.76 ± 0.18 cm2 for these patients. Among the patients who developed non-HAVB conduction abnormalities after TAVR, four subsequently required PPM implantation. Pre-existing right bundle branch block (RBBB) was more frequent in the group requiring eventual PPM vs. the group not requiring PPM (Table 1B). There were no statistically significant differences between several electrocardiogram metrics, demographics, and valve measurements, outlined in Table 1B. Details of those who received subsequent PPM can be found in Table 1C. Of patients who developed persistent non-HAVB conduction abnormalities in the immediate post-TAVR setting the incidence of pre-existing RBBB was higher in patients who required eventual permanent pacing versus those who did not require eventual permanent pacing.

Abstract 13416: Evaluation of Risk Factors for Pacemaker After Tavr Among Patients With a Pre-Existing Right Bundle Branch Block

Background : Pacemaker implantation (PMI) remains a common complication after TAVR. While a pre-existing right bundle branch block (RBBB) is consistently the strongest reported risk factor for PMI, most patients with a RBBB will not require PMI after TAVR. Objective : To identify factors associated with a higher risk of PMI after TAVR among patients with pre-existing RBBB. Methods : We identified all patients at a single institution undergoing first-time TAVR with a balloon-expandable prosthesis without a pre-existing pacemaker or ICD, and pre-existing RBBB (defined as RBBB morphology with QRS &gt;=110ms) from December 2013 to December 2020 (n=219). We evaluated the univariate association for numerous clinical, EKG, imaging, and procedural characteristics with PMI. We included all factors with p=&lt;0.10 in a logistic regression model to assess for independent associations with PMI in the original cohort and 1000 bootstrapped samples. Results : A history of syncope, body mass index, calcium channel blocker use, baseline PR interval, and prosthesis oversizing &gt;16% were associated with PMI on univariate analysis. When included in a logistic regression model, syncope (OR 3.2, 95%CI: 1.1-8.8, p=0.027) and oversizing (OR 3.1, 95% CI: 1.4-6.8, p=0.005) remained independently associated with PMI. These findings were consistent in the bootstrapped samples. Those with both factors (n=4) had a PMI rate of 75% which was higher compared to those with one or neither (43% and 22%, respectively; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion : Among those with pre-existing RBBB, a history of syncope and prosthesis oversizing &gt;16% were independently associated with a higher risk of PMI. These findings warrant external validation.

Risk Stratification for Pacemaker Implantation after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients with Right Bundle Branch Block.

Background: Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter valve implantation (TAVI) is a common complication. Pre-existing right bundle branch block (RBBB) is a strong risk factor for PPI after TAVI. However, a patient-specific approach for risk stratification in this subgroup has not yet been established. Methods: We investigated TAVI patients with pre-existing RBBB to stratify risk factors for PPI and 1-year-mortality by detailed analysis of ECG data, RBBB morphology and degree of calcification in the implantation area assessed by computed tomography angiography. Results: Between 2010 and 2018, 2129 patients underwent TAVI at our institution. Among these, 98 pacemaker-naïve patients with pre-existing RBBB underwent a TAVI procedure. PPI, because of relevant conduction disturbances (CD), was necessary in 43 (43.9%) patients. PPI was more frequently indicated in women vs. men (62.1% vs. 32.8%, p = 0.004) and in men treated with a self-expandable vs. a balloon-expandable valve (58.3% vs. 26.5%, p = 0.035). ECG data (heart rhythm, PQ, QRS, QT) and RBBB morphology had no influence on PPI rate, whereas risk for PPI increased with the degree of calcification in the left septal His-/left bundle branch-area to a 9.375-fold odds for the 3rd tertile of calcification (1.639–53.621; p = 0.012). Overall, 1-year-mortality was comparable among patients with or without PPI (14.0% vs. 16.4%; p = 0.697). Conclusions: Patients with RBBB undergoing TAVI have a high risk of PPI. Among this subgroup, female patients, male patients treated with self-expandable valve types, patients with high load/degree of non-coronary LVOT calcification and patients with atrial fibrillation need enhanced surveillance for CD after procedure.

Delta Increment in Pacing QRS Duration Predicts Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients with Pre-Existing Bundle Branch Block Receiving Permanent Pacemakers.

The clinical implication of pre-existing intraventricular conduction disturbance (IVCD) in permanent pacemaker (PPM) recipients is unknown. To explore the clinical outcomes in patients with pre-existing IVCD after implantation of PPMs. A total of 1424 patients who received PPMs were categorized into three groups by pre-procedural electrocardiography: patients without IVCD (n = 1045), patients with right bundle branch block (RBBB) (n = 309), and patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) (n = 70). The primary outcome was cardiovascular (CV) mortality. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off values of variable in predicting CV mortality. During follow-up, there was no significant difference in CV mortality between patients with and without IVCD. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of CV mortality were age [hazard ratio (HR): 1.03; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.00-1.05; p = 0.026], history of heart failure [HR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.19-3.29; p = 0.009], chronic kidney disease [HR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.11-2.74; p = 0.015] and increment in pacing QRS duration [HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.04; p = 0.038]. Delta increments in pacing QRS duration ≥ 43 msec [HR: 2.91; 95% CI: 1.23-6.83; p = 0.014] in patients with pre-existing RBBB, and ≥ 33 msec [HR: 11.44; 95% CI: 2.03-64.30; p = 0.006] in patients with pre-existing LBBB were independent determinants of CV mortality. There was no difference in CV mortality between patients with or without IVCD. However, wider pacing QRS duration increased the risk of CV mortality in PPM recipients, and delta increment in pacing QRS duration increased the risk of CV mortality in patients with pre-existing IVCD.

Optimizing Care of Patients With Right Bundle Branch Block Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

ObjectivesTo evaluate the use of temporary-permanent pacemaker (TPP) in patients with right bundle branch block (RBBB) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We also sought to identify key predictors of permanent pacemaker (PPM) within 30 days of TAVR in this population. BackgroundRBBB is a well-recognized risk factor for PPM post TAVR. TPP provides stable transient pacing and reduces the need for critical care beds. MethodsThis is a retrospective chart review of 371 patients who underwent TAVR at our institution. All patients with pre-existing RBBB had TPP placed prior to TAVR (n = 37). The primary outcome was the need for critical care beds. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of PPM within 30 days of TAVR. Results67 patients required PPM within 30 days of TAVR, and 56 implanted before discharge. 51% (19 out of 37) of TPP group required PPM before discharge compared to 11% (37 out of 334) of No TPP (p < 0.001), yet TPP group spent significantly fewer hours in a critical care bed (19 vs 28 h, p = 0.01). Length of membranous septum (LMS) <8.49 mm was the strongest independent predictor of PPM within 30 days of TAVR (RAUC of 0.80, Sensitivity 0.7 and Specificity 0.8) and 98% of patients with LMS < 7 mm required PPM within 30 days. ConclusionTPP-TAVR is a well-defined multidisciplinary protocol that reduces the need for critical care beds in patients with pre-existing RBBB referred for TAVR. Additionally, LMS is the strongest predictor of PPM implantation in this population. Condensed abstract (100 words)This study evaluated the use of temporary-permanent pacemakers (TPP) in patients with right bundle branch block (RBBB) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). TPP-TAVR provided stable pacing allowing for early mobilization and reduced the need for critical care beds. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified length of membranous septum (LMS) <8.49 mm in patients with RBBB as the strongest independent predictor of PPM need within 30 days of TAVR. 98% of patients with RBBB and LMS < 7 mm required PPM at 30 days regardless of other characteristics including valve type and size.

Risk Stratification and Management of Advanced Conduction Disturbances Following TAVI in Patients With Pre-Existing RBBB

BackgroundPre-existing right bundle branch block (RBBB) is a strong predictor of increased need for a permanent pacemaker (PPM) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Yet, further risk stratification and management remain challenging in patients with pre-existing RBBB owing to limited data. Therefore, we sought to investigate the incidence, predictors, and management of advanced conduction disturbances after TAVI in patients with pre-existing RBBB. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 261 consecutive patients with pre-existing RBBB (median age 81 years; 28.0% female; 95.0% received a balloon-expandable valve) without a pre-existing PPM who underwent TAVI at our institution in 2015-2019. Outcomes were high-degree atrioventricular block/complete heart block (HAVB/CHB) and PPM requirement. ResultsOverall, the 30-day HAVB/CHB rate was 28.0%, of which 76.7% occurred during the TAVI procedure. The delayed HAVB/CHB rate was 8.3%. Implantation depth below aortic annulus (per 1-mm increase) was significantly associated with increased risk of procedural HAVB/CHB (adjusted odds ratio = 1.25, 95% confidence interval = 1.07-1.46), delayed HAVB/CHB (1.34 [1.01-1.79]), and 30-day PPM (1.32 [1.11-1.55]). Predilation was associated with delayed HAVB/CHB (4.02 [1.22-13.23]). The combination of no predilation and implantation depth of ≤2.0 mm had lower rates of procedural HAVB/CHB (11.2% vs. 26.7%-30.4%, p = 0.011), delayed HAVB/CHB (2.1% vs. 7.6%-28.1%, p < 0.001), and 30-day PPM (10.3% vs. 20.0%-43.5%, p < 0.001) than the other strategies of valve deployment. Complete HAVB/CHB recovery after PPM implantation was uncommon at 7.1%. ConclusionsIn patients with pre-existing RBBB, the majority of HAVB/CHB events occurred during the TAVI procedure. Avoidance of predilation coupled with high valve deployment may result in relatively low rates of procedural and delayed HAVB/CHB, along with 30-day PPM rates.

Evaluation of the 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines in pre-existing right bundle branch block patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation with a balloon-expandable valve.

AimsThe 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend early pacemaker implantation in pre-existing right bundle branch block (RBBB) patients who develop PR prolongation or QRS axis change after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to evaluate this recommendation in TAVI recipients with a balloon-expandable valve (BEV).Methods and resultsWe retrospectively reviewed 188 pre-existing RBBB patients without pre-existing permanent pacemaker (PPM) who underwent TAVI with a BEV at our institution in 2015–19. Patients who developed high-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) during TAVI or within 24 h post-TAVI were excluded. Eligible patients were divided according to the guideline-directed criteria (ΔPR interval ≥20 ms and/or QRS axis change). Patients who met the criteria (n = 102, 54.3%), compared with those who did not (n = 86), had a higher prevalence of baseline right axis deviation and were more likely to have received a larger valve with greater oversizing. The 30-day delayed HAVB rate did not differ significantly between the groups (3.9% vs. 4.7%, P = 1.00; odds ratio = 0.84, 95% confidence interval = 0.20–3.45). There was also no significant difference in terms of death (5.0% vs. 8.4% at 1 year; overall log-rank P = 0.94) or a composite of death or PPM implantation (14.8% vs. 16.6% at 1 year; overall log-rank P = 0.94) during follow-up post-TAVI. The majority of PR prolongations (79.4%) and QRS axis changes (52.0%) regressed within the following 24 h.ConclusionThe present data did not demonstrate an association of significant changes in PR interval or QRS axis with heightened delayed HAVB risk in BEV recipients with pre-existing RBBB. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Early Conduction Disorders After Aortic Valve Replacement With the Sutureless Perceval Prosthesis

BackgroundThis study was conducted to determine the incidence of postoperative conduction disorders and need for pacemaker (PM) implantation after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the Perceval prosthesis (Livanova, Saluggia, Italy). MethodsFrom January 2007 to December 2017, 908 patients underwent AVR with Perceval S in 5 participating centers. Study end points focused on electrocardiographic changes after AVR and the incidence of new PM implantation in 801 patients after exclusion of patients with previous PM (n = 48) or patients undergoing tricuspid (n = 28) and/or atrial fibrillation ablation (n = 31) surgery. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors for PM need. ResultsMean age was 79.7 ± 5.2 years, and 476 (59.4%) were women. Median logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (2011 revision) score was 4.1% (interquartile range, 2.6%-6.0%). Isolated AVR was performed in 441 patients (55.1%). Associated procedures were coronary artery bypass grafting in 309 (38.6%) and mitral valve surgery in 51 (6.4%). Overall 30-day mortality was 3.9% and was 2.8% for isolated AVR. Electrocardiographic changes included a significant increase of left bundle branch block from 7.4% to 23.7% (P < .001) and development of complete atrioventricular block requiring PM implantation in 9.5%. Multivariable analysis revealed independent of a learning period (odds ratio [OR], 1.91; 95% confidence limits (CL), 1.16-3.13; P = .011), preexisting right-bundle branch block (OR, 2.77; 95% CL, 1.40-5.48; P = .003), intraoperative prosthesis repositioning (OR, 6.70; 95% CL, 1.89-24.40; P = .003), and size extra large (OR, 6.81; 95% CL, 1.55-29.96; P = .011) as significant predictors of PM implantation. ConclusionsIn a challenging elderly population, use of the Perceval S for AVR provides low operative mortality but at the risk of an increased PM implantation rate. Besides preexisting right bundle branch block, the significant effect of size extra large, an increased valve size/body surface area ratio, and need for intraoperative repositioning on PM rate are underscoring the reappraisal of the annular sizing policy.

Relationship Between Procedural Right Bundle Branch Block and 1-Year Outcome After Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy - A Retrospective Study.

Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is a treatment option in patients with drug-refractory symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). In many patients, right bundle branch block (RBBB) develops during ASA because septal branches supply the right bundle branch. However, the clinical significance of procedural RBBB is uncertain. We retrospectively reviewed 184 consecutive patients with HOCM who underwent ASA. We excluded 40 patients with pre-existing RBBB (n=10), prior pacemaker implantation (n=15), mid-ventricular obstruction type (n=10), and those lost to follow-up (n=5), leaving 144 patients for analysis. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the development (n=95) or not (n=49) of procedural RBBB. ASA conferred significant decreases in the left ventricular pressure gradient (LVPG) in both the RBBB and no-RBBB group (from 74±48 to 27±27 mmHg [P<0.001] and from 75±45 to 31±33 mmHg [P<0.001], respectively). None of the RBBB patients developed further conduction system disturbances. The percentage reduction in LVPG at 1 year after the procedure was significantly greater in the RBBB than no-RBBB group (66±24% vs. 49±45%; P=0.035). Procedural RBBB was not associated with pacemaker implantation after ASA, but was associated with reduction in repeat ASA (odds ratio 0.34; 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.92; P=0.045). Although RBBB frequently occurs during the ASA procedure, it does not adversely affect clinical outcomes.

Prophylactic permanent pacemaker strategy in patients with right bundle branch block undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

To report on the experience with a selective prophylactic permanent pacemaker (PPx-PPM) implantation strategy in patients with pre-existing right bundle branch block (RBBB) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Pre-existing RBBB is an independent predictor for PPM after TAVR and has been linked to increased mortality. Hospital patient flow and longer-term clinical endpoints were compared for TAVR patients with pre-existing RBBB treated in a period with and without selective PPx-PPM strategy (2013-2020). A total of 260 patients were included: 170 in the early period without PPx-PPM strategy and 90 patients in the late period with selective PPx-PPM strategy. A PPx-PPM was implanted in 44% of patients in the late period. Overall, 69% versus 80% of all patients in the early versus late period ended up with a PPM (p=.06). Streamlined transfemoral TAVR was routinely used from 2017-in this series of patients, both TAVR procedural time and hospital length of stay (LoS) were significantly shorter in the late versus early period (mean procedural time: 70 vs. 83 min and LoS ≥5 days: 15% vs. 40%; p < .05). No difference in all-cause/cardiovascular mortality was observed between both strategies, whereas cardiac rehospitalization was significantly higher for patients treated in the early versus late period (hazard ratio 2.33 [1.04-5.26]; p=.042)-this mainly due to (sub)acute PPM-implantation early after discharge. Selective prophylactic PPM implantation in TAVR candidates with pre-existing RBBB results in shorter TAVR procedural time and hospital LoS and prevents early cardiac rehospitalization related to complete heart block.

Right bundle branch block is not associated with worse short- and mid-term outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the standard treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) at intermediate or high surgical risk. Preexisting right bundle branch block (RBBB) is a strong predictor of new pacemaker implantation (PPM) after TAVI, and previous data indicate a worse short- and long-term outcome of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether preexisting RBBB has an effect on the short- and mid-term outcome of patients undergoing TAVI in a German high-volume TAVI center.MethodsFor the present retrospective analysis, a total of 1,891 patients with native severe AS with successful TAVI without preexisting PPM were included. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality after 30 days and 12 months. Baseline RBBB was present in 190 (10.1%) of cases.ResultsPatients with preexisting RBBB had a considerably higher rate of new PPM after TAVI compared with patients without RBBB (87/190 [45.8%] vs. 219/1,701 [12.9%]; p<0.001). RBBB had no impact on all-cause mortality at 30 days (2.1% vs. 2.7%; p = 0.625) and at 12 months (14.4% vs. 13.6%; p = 0.765). Further stratification according to the presence of new PPM showed a difference in mid-term survival rates between the four groups, with the worst outcome for patients without RBBB and new PPM (log rank p = 0.024). However, no difference in mid-term cardiovascular survival was found.ConclusionPreexisting RBBB is a common finding in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI and is associated with considerably higher PPM rates but not with worse short- and mid-term outcome.

Incidence, predictors and clinical impact of permanent pacemaker insertion in women following transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Insights from a prospective multinational registry.

To describe the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of permanent pacemaker insertion (PPI) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in women. Data on pacemaker insertion complicating TAVR in women are scarce. The Women's International Transcatheter Aortic Valve implantation (WIN-TAVI) is a prospective registry evaluating the safety and efficacy of TAVR in women. We included patients without preprocedural pacemakers and divided them into two groups: (1) PPI and (2) no-PPI. We identified PPI predictors using logistic regression and studied its clinical impact on the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-2 efficacy and safety endpoints. Out of 1019 patients, 922 were included in the analysis. Post-TAVR PPI occurred in 132 (14.3%) patients. Clinical and procedural characteristics were similar in both groups. Pre-existing right bundle branch block (RBBB) was associated with a high risk of post-TAVR PPI (OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.85-7.06, p < 0.001), while implantation of balloon-expandable prosthesis was associated with a lower risk (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30-0.74, p < 0.001). Post-TAVR PPI prolonged in-hospital stay by a median of 2 days (11 [9-16] days in PPI vs. 9 [7-14] days in no-PPI, p=0.005), yet risks of VARC-2 efficacy and safety endpoints at 1 year were similar in both groups (adj HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.60-1.52, p=0.84 and adj HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.83-1.79, p=0.31, respectively). Pacemaker implantation following TAVR is frequent among women and is associated with pre-existing RBBB and valve type. PPI prolongs hospital stay, albeit without any significant impact on 1-year outcomes.

How safe are current expert consensus recommendations for discharge after TAVI?

Abstract Introduction How long patients (pts) remain at risk to develop conduction abnormalities (CAs) requiring pacemaker (PM) implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and should therefore be monitored remains controversial. A recently published Expert Consensus Document (CD) proposes an ECG-based algorithm to risk-stratify patients and suggests early discharge of patients with low risk. Our institutional policy is to monitor all patients without previous PM for at least 7 days. We aimed to apply the discharge recommendations of this algorithm retrospectively to our patient cohort with prolonged and well documented ECG monitoring post-TAVI to evaluate the safety of this strategy. Methods We studied the development CAs in 1447 consecutive patients treated with Sapien 3 between January 2014 and December 2019. After excluding valve-in-valve procedures (n=30) and pts with previously implanted PM (n=167) 1254 remained for this analysis. Results Of 1254 pts, 159 (12.7%) developed high grade CAs requiring PM implantation after TAVI. 808 (64%) had no pre-existing right bundle branch block (RBBB) and no ECG changes immediately post-procedure (CD Group 1, hospital discharge recommended at day 1 post TAVI). Of these pts, 50 (6%) developed high grade CAs within the first 24 hours (h) after TAVI but 31 (3.8% of Group 1) after 24h (Figure 1, Panel A). 111 (8.9%) pts had pre-existing RBBB and no new ECG changes after TAVI (CD Group 2, hospital discharge recommended at day 2 post TAVI). In this group 27 pts (24%) developed high grade CAs within the first 48h after TAVI but 14 (12.6%) after 48h (Figure 1, Panel B). 62 pts had pre-existing CAs and had ECG-changes (CD Group 3, hospital discharge recommended at day 2 post TAVI if no progression). In this group 9 (14%) developed high grade CAs within the first 48h after TAVI but 5 (8%) after 48h (Figure 1, Panel C). 212 (17%) patients had a new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) after TAVI (CD Group 4, hospital discharge recommended at day 2 post TAVI if resolution/no progression); of these pts, 7 (3.3%) developed high grade CAs within the first 48h after TAVI and 13 (6.1%) after 48h (Figure 1, Panel D). Conclusion In this large TAVI cohort with a PM implantation rate of 12.7%, 40% of pts (5% of the entire population) would have been already discharged at the time they developed their CA when following recently published expert consensus recommendations. These results question the safety of the recommended early discharge algorithm and support a more conservative strategy. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Electrocardiographic and clinical predictors for permanent pacemaker requirement after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a 10-year single center experience.

The aim of this study is to identify clinical, electrocardiographic (ECG) and procedural predictors for permanent pacemaker (PPM) requirement after transaortic valve implantation (TAVI). All consecutive patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (SSAS) undergoing TAVI at our single center were included in the study and prospectively followed. All patients had standard 12-leads ECGs recordings before and after TAVI and continuous ECG monitoring during hospital stay. Primary endpoint was to identify electrocardiographic predictors of PPM implantation after TAVI; secondary endpoint was to ascertain other clinical or procedure-related predictive factors of PPM need. PPM implantation was further arbitrarily divided into early and late one (beyond the 3rd day). Among the 431 patients undergoing TAVI between 2008 and 2018, 77 (18%) needed PPM implantation; 47 (11%) had an early procedure, and 30 (7%) a late implant. Preoperative right bundle branch block (RBBB) implies more than five-fold increase of the risk of PPM implantation (OR 5.19, CI 1.99-13.56, P=0.001), whereas the use of a self-expandable prosthesis is associated with an almost three-fold increase of the risk (OR 2.60, CI 1.28-5.28, P=0.008). In the late PPM implantation subgroup, only the history of syncope retains a significant association with such an increased risk (OR 2.71, CI 1.09-6.75, P=0.032). The need of a PPM in the individual TAVI patient is hardly predictable. However, the finding of pre-existing RBBB, the use of self-expandable prosthesis and history of syncope can individuate patients at increased risk.

Timing and evolution of advanced conduction disturbances in patients with right bundle branch block undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

This study sought to determine the timing and evolution over time of advanced conduction disturbances (CDs) in patients with baseline right bundle branch block (RBBB) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). One hundred and ten consecutive patients with pre-existing RBBB were included (out of 1341, 8.2%). All arrhythmias during the hospitalization period were recorded. Follow-up was performed at 30 days, 1 year, and yearly thereafter. Conduction recovery and ventricular pacing percentage (VPP) was evaluated at 30 days in those patients with permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI). Sixty-one (55.5%) patients suffered advanced CDs [97% complete or high-degree atrioventricular block (CHB/HAVB)], and the vast majority (98%) occurred within the first 3 days post-procedure (intraprocedural: 85%). Fifty-two (47.3%) patients had PPMI (vs. 11.0% in non-RBBB patients, P < 0.001). Ventricular pacing percentage at 1 month was higher in patients with persistent-intraprocedural CHB/HAVB compared to those with transient-intraprocedural or post-procedural CHB/HAVB [99 (interquartile range, IQR 97-100)% vs. 72 (IQR 30-99)%, P = 0.02]. Complete recovery (VPP < 1%) was observed in only one patient (2%) with CHB/HAVB. After hospital discharge, no symptomatic bradyarrhythmias or sudden death occurred within 30 days. Patients with pre-existing RBBB exhibited a higher risk of PPMI at 4-year follow-up (26% vs. 8% in non-RBBB patients, P < 0.001). In patients with pre-existing RBBB, the vast majority of advanced CDs occurred within the 3 days following TAVR, and most did not recover at 1-month, particularly those with intra-procedural persistent CHB/HAVB. These results should help to determine the hospitalization length and timing of PPMI in RBBB patients undergoing TAVR.