Transcatheter Valve SELECTion in Patients With Right Bundle Branch Block and Impact on Pacemaker Implantations

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 <2 mm (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.75) in the univariate analysis and MS length <2 mm (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.

Performance of the 32 mm Myval transcatheter heart valve for treatment of aortic stenosis in patients with extremely large aortic annuli in real-world scenario: First global, multicenter experience

BACKGROUND

Extremely large aortic valve anatomy is one of the remaining limitations leading to exclusion of patients for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

AIMS

The newly approved Myval 32 mm device is designed for use in aortic annulus areas up to 840 mm2 . Here we want to share the initial worldwide experience with the device.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Retrospective data were collected from 10 patients with aortic stenosis and very large annular anatomy (mean area 765.5 mm2 ), who underwent implantation with 32 mm Myval transcatheter heart valve at eight centers. Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 device success was achieved in all cases. Mild paravalvular leak was observed in three patients and two patients required new pacemaker implantation. One patient experienced retroperitoneal hemorrhage caused by the contralateral 6 F sheath and required surgical revision. No device-related complications, stroke, or death from any cause occurred within the 30-day follow-up period. In a studied cohort of 2219 consecutive TAVR-screened patients from a central European site, only 0.27% of patients showed larger anatomy than covered by the 32 mm Myval device by instructions for use without off-label use of overexpansion. This rate was significantly higher for the 34 mm Evolut Pro (1.8%) and 29 mm Sapien 3 (2.1%) devices.

CONCLUSIONS

The Myval 32 mm prosthesis showed promising initial results in a cohort of patients who previously had to be excluded from TAVR. It is desirable that all future TAVR systems accommodate larger anatomy to allow optimal treatment of all patients.

Comparisons of different new-generation transcatheter aortic valve implantation devices for patients with severe aortic stenosis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether there are differences among the new-generation transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) devices for patients with aortic stenosis remains unclear. The aim of the study was to compare the efficiency and safety of different new-generation TAVI devices for patients with aortic stenosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science from their inception to 1 February 2022. Randomized clinical trials and observational studies that compared two or more different TAVI devices were enroled. Pairwise meta-analysis and frequentist network meta-analysis were conducted to pool the outcome estimates of interest.

RESULTS

A total of 79 studies were finally included. According to the surface under the cumulative ranking, the top two ranked valves for lower rates of events were as follows: direct flow medical (DFM) (4.6%) and Lotus (48.8%) for lower rate of device success; Sapien 3 (16.8%) and DFM (19.7%) for lower mortality; DFM (8.6%) and Sapien 3 (25.5%) for lower rates of stroke; Evolut (27.6%) and DFM (35.8%) for lower rates of major and life-threatening bleeding; Portico (22.6%) and Sapien 3 (41.9%) for lower rates of acute kidney injury; Acurate (8.6%) and DFM (13.2%) for lower rates of permanent pacemaker implantation; Lotus (0.3%) and Sapien 3 (22.7%) for lower rates of paravalvular leak; Evolut (1.4%) and Portico (29.1%) for lower rates of mean aortic valve gradients.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study suggested that the device success rates were comparable among these new-generation valves except for DFM. After excluding DFM, Sapien 3 might be the best effective for decreased mortality and stroke; Lotus might be the best effective for decreased paravalvular leak; Evolut might be the best effective for decreased major and life-threatening bleeding and mean aortic valve gradients; Acurate and Portico might be the best effective for decreased permanent pacemaker implantation and acute kidney injury, respectively.

Sex differences in permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence on the effect of sex on permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the role of sex among patients requiring PPMI post-TAVR.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using the SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases for studies published until October 2022. Eligible studies included published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and Observational Cohort Studies (OCS) articles that reported PPMI as an outcome of pacemaker status following TAVR. This study was performed per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. Publication bias was estimated using a Funnel plot and Egger's test. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. The primary endpoint was the sex difference in PPMI after TAVR, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) extracted.

RESULTS

Data was obtained from 63 studies, and a total of 79,655 patients were included. The cumulative PPMI rate was 15.5% (95% CI, 13.6%-17.7%). The pooled analysis revealed that while there were more females than males undergoing TAVR (51.6%, 95% CI 50.4%-52.8%), males have a 14.5% higher risk for post-TAVR PPMI than females (OR 1.145, 95% CI 1.047-1.253, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Males are more likely to experience PPMI after TAVR than females. Further research needs to be done to better explain these observed differences in outcomes.

Study Level Meta-Analysis of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With the ACURATE neo Self-Expanding Transcatheter Heart Valve

The ACURATE neo transcatheter aortic valve is a self-expanding device. Several studies have investigated safety and efficacy, but meta-analysis and pooled data are lacking. We aimed to provide a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis on the clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the ACURATE neo valve. A systematic literature search for eligible records was conducted. The primary endpoint was device success as designated by Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria. The secondary endpoints (time frame: 30 days) were all-cause mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, need for new permanent pacemaker, major vascular complications, major bleeding, acute kidney injury stage II or III, and paravalvular regurgitation grade moderate or severe (II or III). Our search yielded a total of 355 records, 20 of those (n = 5858 ACURATE neo receivers) were included in our meta-analysis. Device success was achieved in 94.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.4-96.5%) of the patients. The 30-day all-cause mortality incidence proportion was 1.8% (95% CI, 1.3-2.4%). New pacemaker implantation was required in 7.7% (95% CI, 6.4-9.2%) of the patients, stroke occurred in 1.9% (95% CI, 1.6-2.3%), myocardial infarction in 0.5% (95% CI, 0.3-0.7%), major bleeding in 5.0% (95% CI, 3.9-6.5%), major vascular complication in 5.6% (95% CI, 4.0-7.8%), acute kidney injury stage ≥2 in 2.5% (95% CI, 1.8-3.4%), and paravalvular leak grade ≥moderate was observed in 4.3% (95% CI, 3.0-6.2%). Balloon predilatation and postdilatation incidence was 93.9% (95% CI, 87.0-97.3%) and 43.2% (95% CI, 37.9-48.6%), respectively. ACURATE neo appears to be safe and effective in our analysis with high device success incidence, low mortality, and low new pacemaker implantations.

Permanent pacemaker implantation and left bundle branch block with self-expanding valves - a SCOPE 2 subanalysis

BACKGROUND

No detailed data on left bundle branch block (LBBB) and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) exist from randomised clinical trials comparing the ACURATE neo and CoreValve Evolut devices.

AIMS

Our aim was to assess the incidence and impact of new LBBB and PPI with self-expanding prostheses from a powered randomised comparison.

METHODS

From the SCOPE 2 trial, 648 patients with no previous pacemaker were analysed for PPI at 30 days, and 426 patients without previous LBBB were adopted for analysis of LBBB at 30 days.  Results: At 30 days, 16.5% of patients required PPI; rates were higher in CoreValve Evolut compared to ACURATE neo recipients (21.0% vs 12.3%; p=0.004). Previous right bundle branch block (odds ratio [OR] 6.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.19-11.73; p<0.001) was associated with an increased risk of PPI at 30 days, whereas the use of the ACURATE neo (OR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31-0.81; p=0.005) was associated with a decreased risk. One-year mortality was similar in patients with and without new PPI. A total of 9.4% of patients developed persistent LBBB at 30 days, with higher incidences in CoreValve Evolut recipients (13.4% vs 5.5%; p=0.007). New LBBB at 30 days was associated with lower ejection fraction at 1 year (65.7%±11.0 vs 69.1%±7.6; p=0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

New LBBB and PPI rates were lower in ACURATE neo compared to CoreValve Evolut recipients. The ACURATE neo valve was associated with a lower risk of PPI at 30 days. No effect on 1-year mortality was determined for PPI at 30 days, while LBBB at 30 days was associated with reduced ejection fraction at 1 year.

Multi-Center Comparison of Two Self-Expanding Transcatheter Heart Valves: A Propensity Matched Analysis

Background: During the last years, several transcatheter aortic heart valves entered the clinical market and are commercially available. The prostheses differ regarding several technical and functional aspects. However, little is known regarding head-to-head comparative data of the ACURATE neo and the PORTICO valve prostheses. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare two self-expanding transcatheter aortic heart valves (THV), the ACURATE neo and the PORTICO, with regard to in-hospital and 30-day outcomes, as well as early device failures. Methods: A total of 1591 consecutive patients with severe native aortic valve stenosis from two centers were included in the analyses and matched by 1:1 nearest neighbor matching to identify one patient treated with PORTICO (n = 344) for each patient treated with ACURATE neo (n = 344). Results: In-hospital complications were comparable between both valves, including any kind of stroke (ACURATE neo = 3.5% vs. PORTICO = 3.8%; p = 1.0), major vascular complications (ACURATE neo = 4.5% vs. PORTICO = 5.4%; p = 0.99) or life-threatening bleeding (ACURATE neo = 1% vs. PORTICO = 2%; p = 0.68). The rate of device failure defined by the VARC-2 criteria were comparable, including elevated gradients and moderate-to-severe paravalvular leakage (ACURATE neo = 7.3% vs. PORTICO = 7.6%; p = 1.0). However, the need for permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) was significantly more frequent after the use of PORTICO THV (9.5% vs. 18.7%; p = 0.002). Conclusions: In this two-center case-matched comparison, short-term clinical and hemodynamic outcomes showed comparable results between PORTICO and ACURATE neo prostheses. However, PORTICO was associated with a significant higher incidence of PPI.

Impact of Pre-Existing Right Bundle Branch Block on In-Hospital Outcomes Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Insight from National Inpatient Sample Database, 2016-2019

BACKGROUND

Right bundle branch block (RBBB) is a common finding in older adults and may have higher complications following the transcutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for all hospitalizations undergoing percutaneous TAVR from 2016 to 2019. Cohorts with RBBB were compared to hospitalized patients without RBBB. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between RBBB and in-hospital outcomes.

RESULTS

Out of 203,900 procedures performed, 5.05% had RBBB, and 94.95% didn't have RBBB. The primary outcome of in-hospital mortality was not statistically different between patients with and without RBBB (0.92% vs. 1.41%, OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.41-1.03, p=0.07), a finding that did not change when adjusted for comorbidities in multivariate analysis (adjusted OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.41-1.05, p=0.08). In the RBBB group, total complication rates were higher (adjusted OR: 3.67, 95% CI: 3.32-4.06, p<0.001), driven primarily by pacemaker implantation (adjusted OR: 4.18, 95% CI: 3.77-4.63, p<0.001). We also found higher cardiac arrest (adjusted OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.08-23.99, p=0.001) and post-procedural heart failure (adjusted OR: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.07-7.08, p=0.036).

CONCLUSION

Patients with a history of RBBB who undergo TAVR have an increased need for permanent pacemaker implantation compared to those without a right bundle branch block. Whether extended monitoring post TAVR would reduce complications is a matter of further study.

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

Background

Pre-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.

Methods

We 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.

Results

Overall, 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%.

Conclusions

In 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.

An Update on New Generation Transcatheter Aortic Valves and Delivery Systems

Over the last 15 years, the management of aortic valve disease has been changed by transcatheter aortic valve replacement, which has become the standard of care across the entire spectrum of surgical risk. As a result of continuous evolution of this technique, several next-generation transcatheter heart valves (THVs) have been developed to minimize procedural complications and improve patient outcomes. This review aims to provide an update on the new generation THVs and delivery systems.

Ambulatory Electrocardiographic Monitoring Following Minimalist Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of delayed high-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) or complete heart block (CHB) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using a minimalist approach followed by ambulatory electrocardiographic (AECG) monitoring.

BACKGROUND

Little is known regarding the clinical impact of HAVB or CHB in the early period after discharge following TAVR.

METHODS

A prospective, multicenter study was conducted, including 459 consecutive TAVR patients without permanent pacemaker who underwent continuous AECG monitoring for 14 days (median length of hospital stay 2 days; IQR: 1-3 days), using 2 devices (CardioSTAT and Zio AT). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of HAVB or CHB. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) no right bundle branch block (RBBB) and no electrocardiographic (ECG) changes; 2) baseline RBBB with no further changes; and 3) new-onset ECG conduction disturbances.

RESULTS

Delayed HAVB or CHB episodes occurred in 21 patients (4.6%) (median 5 days postprocedure; IQR: 4-6 days), leading to PPM in 17 (81.0%). HAVB or CHB events were rare in group 1 (7 of 315 [2.2%]), and the incidence increased in group 2 (5 of 38 [13.2%]; P < 0.001 vs group 1) and group 3 (9 of 106 [8.5%]; P = 0.007 vs group 1; P = 0.523 vs group 2). No episodes of sudden or all-cause death occurred at 30-day follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic 2-week AECG monitoring following minimalist TAVR detected HAVB and CHB episodes in about 5% of cases, with no mortality at 1 month. Whereas HAVB or CHB was rare in patients without ECG changes post-TAVR, baseline RBBB and new-onset conduction disturbances determined an increased risk. These results would support tailored management using AECG monitoring and the possibility of longer hospitalization periods in patients at higher risk for delayed HAVB or CHB.

Permanent pacemaker implantation following transcatheter aortic valve implantation using self-expandable, balloon-expandable, or mechanically expandable devices: a network meta-analysis

AIMS

Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) still limits the expansion of indications for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Comparison between different systems remains scarce. We aimed to determine the impact of the device type used on post-TAVI PPI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies reporting the use of balloon-expandable valve (BEV), self-expandable valve (SEV), and mechanically expandable valve (MEV) and post-TAVI PPI. A network meta-analysis was used to compare TAVI mechanisms (Analysis A) and transcatheter heart valves (Analysis B) with respect to post-TAVI PPI. Analysis A included 40 181 patients with a pooled PPI rate of 19.2% in BEV, 24.7% in SEV, and 34.8% in MEV. Balloon-expandable valve showed lower risk compared to either SEV or MEV and SEV demonstrated lower risk for PPI than MEV. Implantation of BEV was associated with 39% and 62% lower PPI rate with respect to SEV and MEV. Implantation of SEV was associated with 38% lower PPI rate with respect to MEV. Analysis B included 36.143 patients with the lowest pooled PPI rate of 9.6% for Acurate Neo or others, and the highest pooled PPI rate of 34.3% for Lotus. CoreValve, Evolut Portico, and Lotus influenced significantly PPI rate, while Sapien group did not.

CONCLUSION

Implantation of BEV and also SEV were associated with lower post-TAVI PPI rate, while MEV were associated with higher post-TAVI PPI. Patient tailored-approach including devices characteristics may help to reduce post-TAVI PPI and to allow TAVI to take the leap towards extension of use in younger patients.

PROSPERO NUMBER

CRD42021238671.

Evaluation and Management of Heart Block After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has developed substantially since its inception. Improvements in valve design, valve deployment technologies, preprocedural imaging and increased operator experience have led to a gradual decline in length of hospitalisation after TAVR. Despite these advances, the need for permanent pacemaker implantation for post-TAVR high-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) has persisted and has well-established risk factors which can be used to identify patients who are at high risk and advise them accordingly. While most HAVB occurs within 48 hours of the procedure, there is a growing number of patients developing HAVB after initial hospitalisation for TAVR due to the trend for early discharge from hospital. Several observation and management strategies have been proposed. This article reviews major known risk factors for HAVB after TAVR, discusses trends in the timing of HAVB after TAVR and reviews some management strategies for observing transient HAVB after TAVR.

Impact of Bundle Branch Block on Permanent Pacemaker Implantation after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Meta-Analysis

Data regarding the impact of infra-Hisian conduction disturbances leading to permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remain limited. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of right and/or left bundle branch block (RBBB/LBBB) on post-TAVI PPI. We performed a systematic literature review to identify studies reporting on RBBB and/or LBBB status and post-TAVI PPI. Study design, patient characteristics, and the presence of branch block were analyzed. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI were extracted. The final analysis included 36 studies, reporting about 55,851 patients. Data on LBBB were extracted from 33 studies. Among 51,026 patients included, 5503 showed pre-implant LBBB (11.9% (10.4%–13.8%)). The influence of LBBB on post-TAVI PPI was not significant OR 1.1474 (0.9025; 1.4588), p = 0.2618. Data on RBBB were extracted from 28 studies. Among 46,663 patients included, 31,603 showed pre-implant RBBB (9.2% (7.3%–11.6%)). The influence of RBBB on post-TAVI PPI was significant OR 4.8581 (4.1571; 5.6775), p < 0.0001. From this meta-analysis, the presence of RBBB increased the risk for post-TAVI PPI, independent of age or LVEF, while this finding was not confirmed for patients experimenting with LBBB. This result emphasizes the need for pre-operative evaluation strategies in patient selection for TAVI.

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

Background

Transcatheter 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.

Methods

For 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.

Results

Patients 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.

Conclusion

Preexisting 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.

Conduction Disturbances and Permanent Pacemaker Implantation after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Predictors and Prevention

Conduction disturbances and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) remain a frequent and important consequence of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Understanding risk factors for TAVR-related conduction disturbances could improve patient selection, procedural techniques, and peri-procedural efforts for monitoring and treatment of heart block. Several studies have identified patient-related and procedural factors associated with new-onset left bundle branch block, high-degree atrioventricular block, and the need for PPMI after TAVR. Notable patient-related predictors include pre-existing right bundle branch block, membranous septal length, and calcification of the left ventricular outflow tract. Modifiable procedural predictors include device implantation depth, prosthesis oversizing, and valve type. This review aims to summarize the current literature examining predictors of conduction disturbances and PPMI after TAVR, particularly with regard to the newer-generation valve types. We also propose a management algorithm for the management of conduction disturbances post-procedure.

Patient-Tailored Aortic Valve Replacement

Contemporary surgical and transcatheter aortic valve interventions offer effective therapy for a broad range of patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve disease. Both approaches have seen significant advances in recent years. Guidelines have previously emphasized ‘surgical risk’ in the decision between surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), although this delineation becomes increasingly obsolete with more evidence on the effectiveness of TAVR in low surgical risk candidates. More importantly, decisions in tailoring aortic valve interventions should be patient-centered, accounting not only for operative risk, but also anatomy, lifetime management and specific co-morbidities. Aspects to be considered in a patient-tailored aortic valve intervention are discussed in this article.

Do Women Require Less Permanent Pacemaker After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation? A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

Background

Limited clinical evidence and literature are available about the potential impact of sex on permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this work was to evaluate the relationship between sexes and atrioventricular conduction disturbances requiring PPI after TAVI.

Methods and Results

Data were obtained from 46 studies from PubMed reporting information about the impact of patient sex on PPI after TAVI. Total proportions with 95% Cls were reported. Funnel plot and Egger test were used for estimation of publication bias. The primary end point was 30‐day or in‐hospital PPI after TAVI, with odds ratios and 95% CIs extracted. A total of 70 313 patients were included, with a cumulative proportion of 51.5% of women (35 691 patients; 95% CI, 50.2–52.7). The proportion of women undergoing TAVI dropped significantly over time (P<0.0001). The cumulative PPI rate was 15.6% (95% CI, 13.3–18.3). The cumulative rate of PPI in women was 14.9% (95% CI, 12.6–17.6), lower than in men (16.6%; 95% CI, 14.2–19.4). The risk for post‐TAVI PPI was lower in women (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84–0.96 [P=0.0022]). By meta‐regression analysis, age (P=0.874) and ventricular function (P=0.302) were not significantly associated with PPI among the sexes. Balloon‐expandable TAVI significantly decrease the advantage of women for PPI, approaching the same rate as in men (P=0.0061).

Conclusions

Female sex is associated with a reduced rate of PPI after TAVI, without influence of age or ventricular function. Balloon‐expandable devices attenuate this advantage in favor of women. Additional investigations are warranted to elucidate sex‐based differences in developing conduction disturbances after TAVI.

Ambulatory Electrocardiogram Monitoring in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has changed the treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, the occurrence of conduction disturbances has not decreased significantly over time and remains the main drawback of the procedure. In addition, new-onset atrial fibrillation is the most frequent tachyarrhythmia during the hospitalization period and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. However, little is known regarding the incidence and clinical impact of arrhythmic events beyond the periprocedural TAVR period. Ambulatory electrocardiogram (AECG) monitoring has recently emerged as a tool to unravel the complex issue of arrhythmic disorders (bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias) before and after TAVR. To date, the preliminary results from the initial experience using AECG monitoring systems showed the safety, usefulness, and potential clinical implications of this diagnostic tool in TAVR recipients. This review provides an overview of the current status, clinical implications, and future perspectives of AECG monitoring in the TAVR setting.

Predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation after ACURATE neo transcatheter heart valve implantation

BACKGROUND

Rates of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) have been low using the self-expanding ACURATE neo device, but data regarding risk factors of PPI for this specific device are scarce.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of patients (n = 1000) with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using the ACURATE neo prosthesis in our center between May 2012 and December 2019. For the present analysis, we excluded patients with previous permanent pacemaker (n = 110), high-grade AV block prior to TAVI (n = 3), and patients requiring conversion to surgical valve replacement (n = 4) or the implantation of a second prosthesis as valve-in-valve (n = 15). Preexisting conduction abnormalities were determined, and the implantation depth of the prosthesis was measured on final angiography. Differences across quartiles based on the original consecutive cohort were analyzed with respect to implantation depth and PPI rate. Predictors of PPI were identified using logistic regression.

RESULTS

The PPI rate was 10%. Preexisting AV block I°, right bundle branch block (RBBB), and the implantation depth were independent predictors of PPI. Across quartiles, the implantation depth differed significantly with lowest values in the last quartile, whereas differences of PPI rates across quartiles were not statistically significant, but showed a notable decrease in the last quartile.

CONCLUSION

Preexisting RBBB, AV block I°, and low implantation depth were independent predictors of PPI following TAVI using the ACURATE neo device. Instead of deliberately aiming at a high position, avoidance of a low implantation depth may represent a reasonable compromise to reduce the rate of PPI without increasing the risk of malpositioning.

Predictors of pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation according to kind of prosthesis and risk profile: a systematic review and contemporary meta-analysis

AIMS

Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) may be required after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Evidence on PPI prediction has largely been gathered from high-risk patients receiving first-generation valve implants. We undertook a meta-analysis of the existing literature to examine the incidence and predictors of PPI after TAVI according to generation of valve, valve type, and surgical risk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We made a systematic literature search for studies with ≥100 patients reporting the incidence and adjusted predictors of PPI after TAVI. Subgroup analyses examined these features according to generation of valve, specific valve type, and surgical risk. We obtained data from 43 studies, encompassing 29 113 patients. Permanent pacemaker implantation rates ranged from 6.7% to 39.2% in individual studies with a pooled incidence of 19% (95% CI 16-21). Independent predictors for PPI were age [odds ratio (OR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.09], left bundle branch block (LBBB) (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.12-1.77), right bundle branch block (RBBB) (OR 4.15, 95% CI 3.23-4.88), implantation depth (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.11-1.26), and self-expanding valve prosthesis (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.39-4.59). Among subgroups analysed according to valve type, valve generation and surgical risk, independent predictors were RBBB, self-expanding valve type, first-degree atrioventricular block, and implantation depth.

CONCLUSIONS

The principle independent predictors for PPI following TAVI are age, RBBB, LBBB, self-expanding valve type, and valve implantation depth. These characteristics should be taken into account in pre-procedural assessment to reduce PPI rates. PROSPERO ID CRD42020164043.

Predictors of paravalvular leak following implantation of the ACURATE neo transcatheter heart valve: the PREDICT PVL study

Objectives

Report predictors and the natural course of paravalvular leak (PVL) following implantation of the ACURATE neo transcatheter heart valve (THV).

Background

Understanding the mechanisms of PVL may help to improve patient selection, patient outcomes and the design of next-generation THVs.

Methods

A total of 30 patients (mean age 81±5 years, 47% women) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the ACURATE neo were enrolled in the PREDICT PVL study. The effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA, in mm²) of PVL was assessed by transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography before discharge and at 6 months follow-up.

Results

PVL was none/trace in 10 (33%), mild in 18 (60%) and moderate in 2 (7%) patients and occurred in distinct locations with largest EROAs in the area of the left coronary cusp and its adjacent commissures. Independent predictors for EROA were implantation depth (r coefficient −1.9 mm² per mm implantation depth, p=0.01), leaflet calcification (6.2 mm² per calcification grade, p=0.03) and THV size L (7.6 mm² more than size S or M, p=0.01). At 6 months follow-up, EROA decreased by 29% from 13.7±9.7 mm² to 9.5±7.9 mm² (p<0.01). Patients with smaller EROAs were more likely to be in New York Heart Association class 1 than patients with larger EROAs (p<0.01).

Conclusions

PVL occurred predominantly in the region of the left coronary cusp and decreased by 29% during 6 months of follow-up. Our results underscore the importance of adequate patient selection and optimal implantation depth.

Overcoming the transcatheter aortic valve replacement Achilles heel: conduction abnormalities-a systematic review

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been shown to be a good alternative to surgery for treating severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) across the whole range of surgical risk patients. Whereas most periprocedural TAVR complications have significantly decreased over time, conduction disturbances remain high. Approaches to decrease this shortcoming are under continuous investigation.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review focusing on modifiable factors impacting post-TAVR conduction disturbances, such as balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV), type of new-generation transcatheter valve and implantation depth (ID). Search strategies were based on the best available evidence from each study. Primary endpoints were post-TAVR need of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) and new onset left bundle branch block (NOLBBB).

Results

Data from 35 studies with a total of 29,982 patients were analyzed. BAV did not negatively impact PPI rates after TAVR. In propensity-matched and randomized trials, the Evolut R valve was associated with higher rates of PPI compared to the Sapien 3 valve (25% vs. 19.2% in propensity-matched studies; 22.9% vs. 19% in a randomized trial). The Acurate Neo valve was associated with the lowest PPI rate in observational studies (10.4%), but a PPI rate similar to Sapien 3 was reported in a randomized trial (10% vs. 9%). The Portico valve system was associated with a higher PPI risk (PPI rate of 21.9% and 27.7% in propensity-matched and randomized studies, respectively). ID and its relation with the membranous septum (MS) length predicted post-TAVR conduction disturbances, particularly with Evolut R and Sapien 3 valves.

Conclusions

Pre-TAVR BAV did not increase the risk of conduction disturbances post-TAVR. Among the new-generation transcatheter valve systems, Sapien 3 and Acurate Neo valves were associated with the lowest PPI rates followed by the Evolut and Portico valves. A deeper valve implantation and a shorter MS length determined an increased risk of conduction disturbances post-TAVR.

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

Aims

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).

Methods and results

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 &lt; 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 &lt; 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 &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion

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.

Temporal Trends in the Incidence and Outcomes of Pacemaker Implantation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in the United States (2012-2017)

Background

Nationwide studies documenting temporal trends in permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are limited.

Methods and Results

We selected patients who underwent TAVR between 2012 and 2017 in the National Readmission Database. The primary end point was the 6‐year trend in post‐TAVR PPMI at index hospitalization and at 30, 90, and 180 days after discharge. The secondary end point was the association between PPMI and in‐hospital mortality, stroke, cost, length of stay, and disposition. Among the 89 202 patients who underwent TAVR, 77 405 (86.8%) with no prior pacemaker or defibrillator were included. Patients who required PPMI had a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (43.6% versus 38.7%, P<0.001) and conduction abnormalities (28.4% versus 15.3%, P<0.001). The incidence of PPMI during index admission increased from 8.7% in 2012 to 13.2% in 2015, and then decreased to 9.6% in 2017. The incidence of inpatient PPMI within 30 days after discharge increased from 0.5% in 2012 to 1.25% in 2017 (P_trend<0.001). Inpatient PPMI beyond 30 days remained rare (<0.5%) during the study period. After risk adjustment, PPMI was not associated with in‐hospital mortality or stroke but was associated with increased nonhome discharge, longer hospitalization, and higher cost. The incremental expenditure associated with post‐TAVR PPMI during index admission increased from $9.6 million to $72.2 million between 2012 and 2017.

Conclusions

After an upward trend, rates of PPMI after TAVR in the United States stabilized at ~10% in 2016 to 2017, but there was a notable increase in PPMI within 30 days after the index admission. PPMI was not associated with increased in‐hospital morbidity or mortality but led to longer hospitalization, higher cost, and more nonhome discharges.

Predicting need for pacemaker implantation early and late after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

OBJECTIVES

To identify associations with either early or late permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in order to develop an easily interpretable management algorithm.

BACKGROUND

Injury to the conduction system after TAVR occasionally requires PPM. There is limited data on how to identify which patients will require PPM, particularly after discharge from index hospitalization after TAVR.

METHODS

All patients having undergone TAVR at the University of North Carolina through August 2019 were identified and records were manually reviewed. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify associations with post-TAVR PPM due to high-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB). Comparisons were made between patients with no PPM (n = 304) and PPM required, stratified into early (during index hospitalization, n = 32) and late (during subsequent hospitalization, n = 11) PPM cohorts.

RESULTS

Of the 347 patents included for analysis, 43 (12.4%) underwent post-TAVR PPM. In multivariable regression models, early PPM was associated with baseline bifascicular block (OR: 42.16; p < .001), requiring any pacing on first post-TAVR electrocardiogram (ECG) (OR: 31.55; p < .001), and valve oversizing >15% (OR: 3.61; p < .05). Late PPM was associated with baseline right bundle branch block (RBBB) (OR 12.62; p < .001) and history of atrial fibrillation/flutter (OR 4.83; p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Bifascicular block, any pacing on first post-TAVR ECG, and >15% valve oversizing are associated with early PPM, while RBBB and history of atrial fibrillation/flutter are associated with late PPM. We suggest a management strategy for post-TAVR surveillance and management of HAVB.

ACURATE neo: How Is This TAVR Valve Doing to Fit into an Increasingly Crowded Field?

Purpose of Review

Critical appraisal of the available evidence on the self-expanding ACURATE neo transcatheter heart valve (THV) for the treatment of aortic valve disease.

Recent Findings

In an investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized non-inferiority trial with broad inclusion criteria, ACURATE neo failed to meet non-inferiority compared with SAPIEN 3 with regard to a primary composite safety and efficacy endpoint at 30 days. The difference was driven by higher rates of moderate or severe paravalvular regurgitation and higher rates of acute kidney injury. In turn, registry data suggest that the safety and efficacy profile of the ACURATE neo is comparable to that of other commercially available devices. Randomized evidence indicated favorable hemodynamic results with large effective orifice areas and low residual gradients.

Summary

The self-expanding ACURATE neo THV is associated with higher rates of residual aortic regurgitation compared to the balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 THV. The supra-annular design with low residual gradients may be advantageous in patients with small anatomy and mild degree of calcification.

Clinical Impact of Preexisting Right Bundle Branch Block after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is now the treatment of choice for patients with severe aortic stenosis regardless of their surgical risk. Right bundle branch block (RBBB) can be a predictor for development of significant atrioventricular (AV) block after TAVR, requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI). However, data related to the risk of PPI requirement with preexisting RBBB is scarce. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess clinical outcomes of patients undergoing TAVR with RBBB on preexisting electrocardiogram.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review to identify randomized and nonrandomized clinical studies that reported any clinical impact of patients undergoing TAVR with preexisting RBBB. A total of eight databases including PubMed (Medline), Embase, Cochrane Library, ACP Journal Club, Scopus, DARE, and Ovid containing articles from January 2000 to May 2020 were analyzed.

Results

We identified and screened 224 potential eligible publications through the databases and found 14 relevant clinical trials for a total of 15,319 participants. There was an increased 30-day pacemaker implantation rate of 38.1% in the RBBB group compared to 11.4% in the no RBBB group with a risk ratio of 3.56 (RR 3.56 (95% CI 3.21–3.93, p < 0.01)). There was an increased 30-day all-cause mortality in the RBBB group of 9.5% compared with 6.3% in the no RBBB group with an odds ratio of 1.60 (OR 1.60 (95% CI 1.14–2.25, p < 0.01)).

Conclusion

This study indicates that patients with preexisting RBBB have higher incidence of PPI and all-cause mortality after TAVR compared with patients without RBBB. Further trials are needed to compare the clinical outcomes based on TAVR valve types and assess the benefit of PPI in patients with new-onset RBBB after TAVR.

WorldwIde SurvEy on Clinical and Anatomical Factors Driving the Choice of Transcatheter Aortic Valve pRostheses

Background: Following the success of the first human transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in 2002, multiple transcatheter heart valves (THVs) have become available. However, guidelines or expert consensus on how to optimize THV choice according to patients' anatomical and clinical characteristics is missing. This survey-based study aimed to identify patient-specific characteristics deemed important in the choice of THV type.

Methods and results: A web-based survey including 39 questions was completed by 71 experienced TAVR operators from 23 countries with a median TAVR volume of 88 procedures in the year prior to survey completion (IQR 61-180). The survey covered five topics: access, aortic annulus/leaflets, aortic root, left ventricular function and clinical characteristics. Factors with the most impact on THV choice were reported to be a calcified sinotubular junction, valve-in-valve procedure, annular dimension >575 mm², femoral diameter ≤ 5.0 mm, low coronary ostia, calcification at the annular level and/or protruding into the left ventricular outflow tract, and need for post TAVR PCI. Also, in case of off-label use of THVs to treat bicuspid aortic valve disease and isolated aortic regurgitation, the choice of THV type was reported to be important.

Conclusions: This survey-based study identifies key patient characteristics that impact THV selection. As such, we present a guide, based on current practice, of which THV types are best suited to these different patient-specific characteristics. A patient-tailored THV choice is likely to optimize TAVR outcomes.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the ACURATE neo valve: indications, procedural aspects and clinical outcomes

The ACURATE neo aortic valve system is a self-expanding transcatheter device that was granted CE mark in 2014 and has since been widely adopted in the treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis. The ACURATE neo can be used in a wide clinical spectrum, but there are some specific indications and anatomies where this device is particularly suitable. Recently, it was shown that, with appropriate patient screening, size selection, and optimised positioning, results can be improved substantially. This review provides an overview of existing data and compiles a standardised manual of best practice for the implantation of this device based on both evidence and individual experience.