Postoperative permanent pacemaker implantation in patients undergoing trans-catheter aortic valve implantation: what is the incidence and are there any predicting factors?

Impact of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices on Cost and Length of Stay in Patients With Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement and Transcutaneous Aortic Valve Implantation

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in aortic stenosis are associated with arrhythmic complications that can require cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation, but impact on healthcare-associated cost (HAC) and length of stay (LOS) are unknown. This study aimed to assess differences among SAVR/TAVI patients with CIED implantation on HAC and LOS. Patients hospitalized for SAVR or TAVI between 2011 and 2017 on the National Inpatient Sample database were identified and stratified according to presence/type of CIED implantation. During this period, 95,262 patients were identified; 6,435 (6.8%) patients received CIED (median [interquartile range] age: 74.0 [66.0 to 82.0] years). The median adjusted HAC was $44,271 and LOS was 6 days. CIED implantation was associated with longer LOS and higher adjusted HAC in patients with SAVR and TAVI (p <0.0001). Patients with in-hospital death and complications because of SAVR or TAVI had longer preceding in-hospital days of admission. Male patients admitted to small hospitals and the West region had the highest HAC. In conclusion, CIED implantation for arrhythmias results in higher HAC and longer LOS in patients with aortic stenosis for both SAVR and TAVI.

The conjunction conundrum in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

A continuous discussion regarding the predictors for permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is ongoing, especially in the era of low and medium risk patients. The aim of this article is to review the data so far regarding the pathophysiology, risk factors, and the indications for permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVI. The factors that contribute to rhythm abnormalities post TAVI can be divided into pre-existing conduction abnormalities, patient-related anatomical factors, and peri-procedural technical factors. The latter components are potentially modifiable, and this is where attention should be directed, particularly now that in an era of TAVI expansion towards lower-risk patients.

The JenaValve pericardial transcatheter aortic valve replacement system to treat aortic valve disease

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a valuable alternative technique to surgery and the spectrum of therapy continues to evolve. The JenaValve Pericaridal transcatheter aortic valve replacement System allows prosthesis fixation in a native, noncalcified aortic annulus with a unique paper clip-like anchorage mechanism. The low rate of paravalvular leakage and permanent pacemaker implantation emphasizes the further widespread use of the JenaValve - despite the limited data available. In May 2021, a CE mark for the transfemoral implantation in both aortic regurgitation and aortic stenosis was granted. However, no data have been published so far. The ongoing ALIGN trials are expected to provide the pending long-term data.

Evolution of high-grade atrioventricular conduction disorders after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients who underwent implantation of a pacemaker with specific mode-that minimizes ventricular pacing-activated

INTRODUCTION

The evolution of atrioventricular conduction disorders after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains poorly understood. We sought to identify factors associated with late (occurring ≥7 days after the procedure) high-grade atrioventricular blocks after TAVI, based on specific pacemaker memory data.

METHODS AND RESULTS

STIM-TAVI (NCT03338582) was a prospective, multicentre, observational study that enrolled all patients (from November 2015 to January 2017) implanted with a specific dual chamber pacemaker after TAVI, with the SafeR algorithm activated, allowing continuous monitoring of atrioventricular conduction. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of centrally adjudicated late high-grade atrioventricular blocks during the year after TAVI. Among 197 patients, 138 (70.1%) had ≥1 late high-grade atrioventricular block. Whereas oversizing (p = .005), high-grade atrioventricular block during TAVI (p < .001), and early (within 6 days) high-grade atrioventricular block (p < .001) were associated with occurrence of late high-grade atrioventricular block, self-expanding prothesis (p = .88), prior right bundle branch block (p = .45), low implantation (p = .06), and new or wider left bundle branch block and lengthening of PR interval (p = .24) were not. In multivariable analysis, only post-TAVI early high-grade atrioventricular block remained associated with late high-grade atrioventricular blocks (Days 0-1: odds ratio [OR], 3.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57-6.74; p = .001; Days 2-6: OR, 4.13; 95% CI, 2.06-8.31; p < .001), whereas other conventionally used predictors were not.

CONCLUSION

One-third of pacemaker-implanted patients do not experience late high-grade atrioventricular block. Our findings suggest that post-TAVI early high-grade atrioventricular block is the main factor associated with occurrence of late high-grade atrioventricular blocks.

Recent trends in aortic valve interventions: Data of the Netherlands heart registration

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has evolved from bailout for inoperable patients to an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in higher-risk groups. The aim of this study is to describe these clinical trends in TAVI and SAVR in patients with aortic valve disease.

METHODS

We analyzed data of the Netherlands Heart Registration (NHR) up to 2018 to explore the trends in TAVI and SAVR among 14 cardiac centers in the Netherlands.

RESULTS

Between 2013 and 2017, a total of 7432 isolated SAVR and 5929 TAVI procedures have been performed. A 43.9% increase in the total number of procedures was observed, mainly due to the considerable increase in the number of TAVI procedures. In 2017, there was a decrease in the number of SAVR procedures. In the TAVI group, 30- and 120-day mortality decreased significantly from 7.2% and 10.6% in 2013 to 3.4% and 5.7% in 2017, respectively. In the SAVR group, 30- and 120-day mortality decreased from 1.7% and 2.9% in 2013 to 1.2% and 1.7% in 2017, respectively. Outcomes showed a significant decrease in vascular complications after TAVI. The risk profile of TAVI patients has changed over time.

CONCLUSIONS

The recent developments in TAVI have contributed to the increasing numbers of aortic valve interventions in the Netherlands. Mortality rates after SAVR and TAVI decreased as did the rate of complications after TAVI. Furthermore, a trend towards decrease of preoperative risk was observed.

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

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to identify clinical, electrocardiographic (ECG) and procedural predictors for permanent pacemaker (PPM) requirement after transaortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

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 3^rd day).

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSIONS

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.

Electrophysiology Testing to Stratify Patients With Left Bundle Branch Block After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Background Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is common after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and is an indicator of subsequent high-grade atrioventricular block (HAVB). No standardized protocol is available to identify LBBB patients at risk for HAVB. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an electrophysiology study tailored strategy in patients with LBBB after TAVI. Methods and Results We prospectively analyzed consecutive patients with LBBB after TAVI. An electrophysiology study was performed to measure the HV-interval the day following TAVI. In patients with normal His-ventricular (HV)-interval ≤55 ms, a loop recorder was implanted (ILR-group), whereas pacemaker implantation was performed in patients with prolonged HV-interval >55 ms (PM-group). The primary end point was occurrence of HAVB during a follow-up of 12 months. Secondary end points were symptoms, hospitalizations, adverse events because of device implantation or electrophysiology study, and death. Of 373 patients screened after TAVI, 56 patients (82±6 years, 41% male) with LBBB were included. HAVB occurred in 4 of 41 patients (10%) in the ILR-group and in 8 of 15 patients (53%) in the PM-group (P<0.001). We did not identify other predictors for HAVB than the HV interval. The negative predictive value for the cut-off of HV 55 ms to detect HAVB was 90%. No HAVB-related syncope occurred in the 2 groups. Conclusions An electrophysiology study tailored strategy to LBBB after TAVI with a cut-off of HV >55 ms is a feasible and safe approach to stratify patients with regard to developing HAVB during a follow-up of 12 months.

Incidence and causes of pacemaker implantation during postoperative period of aortic valve replacement with rapid deployment prosthesis

BACKGROUND

Aortic stenosis is currently the most frequently occurring valve pathology. Developments, such as transcatheter prostheses and rapid deployment prostheses, allow for the offer of a valve replacement to higher risk patients, but these techniques are linked with a higher need for a permanent pacemaker during the immediate postoperative period.

METHODS

We studied the incidence and the factors associated with permanent pacemaker implantation after aortic valve replacement with Edwards Intuity rapid deployment prosthesis.

RESULTS

Between October 2012 and December 2016, the Edwards Intuity prosthesis was implanted in 71 patients (68% male, 75.3 ± 5 years old). Six patients (8%) required a permanent pacemaker during immediate postoperative period. Univariate analysis showed that a history of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (P = .046, B = 7.5, 95% CI [1.039-54.1]) and preoperative amiodarone (P = .009, B = 31.5; 95% CI [2.32-426]) were associated with a higher need for a pacemaker during the postoperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation during the immediate postoperative period of aortic valve replacement with Edwards Intuity prosthesis was 8%, a value which is within the limits reported for conventional aortic prostheses. Preoperative amiodarone treatment and previous AMI may increase the need for a pacemaker during the postoperative period of these aortic prostheses.

Endovascular Versus Transapical Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: In-hospital Mortality, Hospital Outcomes, and 30-day Readmission. A Propensity Score-matched Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with increased morbidity compared with endovascular TAVR. We sought to compare the differences in clinical outcomes between endovascular and transapical TAVR approaches utilizing a propensity score model.

METHODS

Patients undergoing TAVR (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 35.05 and 35.06) between January 2011 and November 2014 were identified in the Nationwide Readmissions Database, and a propensity score-matched analysis was performed comparing transapical versus endovascular approach. The primary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality and 30-day all-cause readmission. We also evaluated trends in use of TAVR over the years.

RESULTS

We identified 28,302 endovascular TAVR and 7967 transapical TAVR performed during the study period. The propensity score-matching algorithm yielded 7879 well-matched patients in each group. The in-hospital mortality rates were significantly lower in endovascular TAVR compared with transapical TAVR (1.7% vs 6.7%; OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.17- 0.35; P < 0.001). The 30-day readmission rate was lower in endovascular TAVR (14.4% vs 16.8%; OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70-0.98; P = 0.036). Use of TAVR increased from 585 (74% endovascular TAVR) in 2011 to 16,801 in 2014 (82.8% endovascular TAVR).

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular TAVR is associated with significantly lower in-patient mortality and lower readmission rate when compared with transapical TAVR. Heart failure remains the most common cause for readmission after TAVR regardless of approach.

Atrioventricular conduction in patients undergoing pacemaker implant following self-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

Heart block requiring a pacemaker is common after self-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement (SE-TAVR); however, conduction abnormalities may improve over time. Optimal device management in these patients is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term, natural history of conduction disturbances in patients undergoing pacemaker implantation following SE-TAVR.

METHODS

All patients who underwent new cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation at Michigan Medicine following SE-TAVR placement between January 1, 2012 and September 25, 2017 were identified. Electrocardiogram and device interrogation data were examined during follow-up to identify patients with recovery of conduction. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare clinical and procedural variables to predict conduction recovery.

RESULTS

Following SE-TAVR, 17.5% of patients underwent device placement for new atrioventricular (AV) block. Among 40 patients with an average follow-up time of 17.1 ± 8.1 months, 20 (50%) patients had durable recovery of AV conduction. Among 20 patients without long-term recovery, four (20%) had transient recovery. The time to transient conduction recovery was 2.2 ± 0.2 months with repeat loss of conduction at 8.2 ± 0.9 months. On multivariate analysis, larger aortic annular size (odds ratio: 0.53 [0.28-0.86]/mm, P = 0.02) predicted lack of conduction recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Half of the patients undergoing CIED placement for heart block following SE-TAVR recovered AV conduction within several months and maintained this over an extended follow-up period. Some patients demonstrated transient recovery of conduction before recurrence of conduction loss. Larger aortic annulus diameter was negatively associated with conduction recovery.

Evaluation of Conduction Disorders after Aortic Valve Replacement with Rapid Deployment Bioprostheses

Objective

The aim of this retrospective, single-center study was to evaluate the occurrence of conduction disorders after rapid deployment aortic bioprosthesis implantation.

Methods

Electrocardiograms of patients undergoing INTUITY (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA USA) bioprosthesis implantation were collected at admission, during postoperative course, and at discharge. Primary end point was the occurrence of new-onset conduction disorders, defined as complete left bundle branch block, complete right bundle branch block, permanent pacemaker implantation, and worsening of pre-existing rhythm abnormalities. Secondary end points were the assessment of preoperative and postoperative QRS duration and the identification of transitory conduction disorders.

Results

Forty-four patients (July 2015–December 2016) were included in the analysis. Preoperatively, patients with normal conduction and with already existing disorders were 25 (56.8%) and 19 (43.2%), respectively. Primary end point occurred in 14 patients (31.8%). Two patients (4.5%) received pacemaker implantation. In patients with normal preoperative conduction, new abnormalities were found in eight cases (32%): all left bundle branch blocks with one pacemaker implantation. Worsening of pre-existing conduction disorders was found in six patients (31.6%) with one pacemaker implantation. QRS duration increased in 20 patients (45.4%), and average increase was 37 milliseconds. Overall, we observed a significant increase of QRS (96 ± 21 milliseconds vs. 111 ± 28 milliseconds, P < 0.001). Three patients experienced a new-onset temporary left bundle branch block.

Conclusions

New-onset conduction disorders or worsening of pre-existing rhythm abnormalities occur in one third of patients after rapid deployment aortic bioprosthesis implantation. Although the incidence of postoperative pacemaker implantation before discharge is low, strict follow-up is mandatory to identify a potential need for pacemaker implantation in a timely manner.

Need for Permanent Pacemaker After Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement Reduces Long-Term Survival

BACKGROUND

Permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation has been touted as an inconsequential complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. As transcatheter aortic valve replacement moves to lower risk patients, the long-term implications remain poorly understood; therefore, we evaluated the long-term outcomes of pacemaker for surgical aortic valve replacement patients.

METHODS

A total of 2,600 consecutive patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement over the past 15 years were reviewed using The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) institutional database and Social Security death records. Patients were stratified by placement of a PPM within 30 days of surgery. The impact of PPM placement on long-term survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and risk-adjusted survival by Cox proportional hazards modeling.

RESULTS

A total of 72 patients (2.7%) required PPM placement postoperatively. Patients requiring PPM had more postoperative complications, including atrial fibrillation (43.1% versus 27.0%, p = 0.003), prolonged ventilation (16.7% versus 5.7%, p < 0.0001), and renal failure (12.5% versus 4.6%, p = 0.002). These led to greater resource utilization including longer intensive care unit stay (89 versus 44 hours, p < 0.0001) and hospital length of stay (9 versus 6 days, p < 0.0001), and higher inflation-adjusted hospital cost ($81,000 versus $47,000, p < 0.0001). Median follow-up was 7.5 years, and patients requiring PPM had significantly worse long-term survival (p = 0.02), even after risk adjustment with STS predicted risk of mortality (hazard ratio 1.48, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The need for PPM after aortic valve replacement independently reduces long-term survival. The rate of PPM placement after surgical aortic valve replacement remains very low but dramatically increases resource utilization. As transcatheter aortic valve replacement expands to low-risk patients, the impact of PPM placement on long-term survival warrants close monitoring.

Conduction abnormalities after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

In the last few years, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an alternative procedure in patients with severe aortic stenosis and high risk for surgical aortic replacement. Due to the anatomic correlation between aortic valve structure and conduction system of the heart, one of the most common complications after TAVI is conduction system disturbances which including bundle branch block, complete heart block and need for permanent pacemaker implantation. Although these disturbances are usually not lethal, they may have a great influence on patients' state and long term-survival. Several risk factors for conduction disturbances have been identified which including age, anatomy of the heart, periprocedural factors, type of implanted valve, preexisting abnormalities and comorbidities. As this technique becomes more familiar to physicians, patients should be carefully screened for risk factors for the development of conduction abnormalities after TAVI in order to provide effective prevention and proper treatment.

Permanent Pacing After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Incidence, Predictors and Evolution of Left Ventricular Function

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a well-established procedure; however, atrioventricular block requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) is a common complication.

Objectives

To determine the incidence, predictors and clinical outcomes of PPI after TAVI, focusing on how PPI affects left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after TAVI.

Methods

The Brazilian Multicenter TAVI Registry included 819 patients submitted to TAVI due to severe aortic stenosis from 22 centers from January/2008 to January/2015. After exclusions, the predictors of PPI were assessed in 670 patients by use of multivariate regression. Analysis of the ROC curve was used to measure the ability of the predictors; p < 0.05 was the significance level adopted.

Results

Within 30 days from TAVI, 135 patients (20.1%) required PPI. Those patients were older (82.5 vs. 81.1 years; p = 0.047) and mainly of the male sex (59.3% vs 45%; p = 0.003). Hospital length of stay was longer in patients submitted to PPI (mean = 15.7 ± 25.7 vs. 11.8 ± 22.9 days; p < 0.001), but PPI affected neither all-cause death (26.7% vs. 25.6%; p = 0.80) nor cardiovascular death (14.1% vs. 14.8%; p = 0.84). By use of multivariate analysis, the previous presence of right bundle-branch block (RBBB) (OR, 6.19; 3.56-10.75; p ≤ 0.001), the use of CoreValve^® prosthesis (OR, 3.16; 1.74-5.72; p ≤ 0.001) and baseline transaortic gradient > 50 mm Hg (OR, 1.86; 1.08-3.2; p = 0.025) were predictors of PPI. The estimated risk of PPI ranged from 4%, when none of those predictors was present, to 63%, in the presence of all of them. The model showed good ability to predict the need for PPI: 0.69 (95%CI: 0.64 - 0.74) in the ROC curve. The substudy of 287 echocardiograms during the 1-year follow-up showed worse LVEF course in patients submitted to PPI (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

BRD prévio, gradiente aórtico médio > 50 mmHg e CoreValve® são preditores independentes de implante de MPD pós-TAVI. Ocorreu implante de MPD em aproximadamente 20% dos casos de TAVI, o que prolongou a internação hospitalar, mas não afetou a mortalidade. O implante de MPD afetou negativamente a FEVE pós-TAVI.

[Cardiac permanent pacemaker after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A predictive and scientific review]

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is nowadays a worldwide technique in the field of treating aortic stenosis. One of the main side effects linked to the technique are mostly attached to rhythm disturbances, such as atrioventricular (AV) and intraventricular blocks. Consequently, a pacemaker implantation is often required. That implantation rate is estimated between 8 and 30%, depending on the valve chosen. Thanks to main meta analysis on the subject, it has been managed to isolate the following risks factors for AV block development: preoperative right bundle branch block (RBBB: the most powerful element), complete AV block during the procedure, male gender, a so-called porcelain aorta, the absence of previous valvular surgery, the aortic annulus size (i.e when that size is inferior to the valve's one) and the QRS duration after the procedure (the superior threshold has been set at 128ms for the Corevalve). The currently recommendations advice to implant a pacemaker are as followed: high grade AV block (in the main studies, the implantation occurs within the 5 days after the TAVI), complete and transient AV block during the TAVI, second degree AV block and RBBB associated with first degree AV block. Our article aims to review the arrhythmic issues of TAVI.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: current trends and future directions

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been increasingly utilized for the treatment of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis in inoperable and high surgical risk patients. Recent advances in valve technology include repositionable scaffolds and smaller delivery systems, as well as improvement in periprocedural imaging. These advances have resulted in reduction of vascular complications, rates of paravalvular aortic regurgitation and periprocedural stroke and improved overall outcomes. Increasingly, TAVI is the preferred treatment for high-risk surgical patients with severe aortic stenosis. Consequently, there is growing interest for the use of TAVI in lower surgical risk patients. Furthermore, the role of TAVI has expanded to include valve-in-valve procedures for the treatment of degenerative bioprosthetic valves and bicuspid aortic valves. Questions remain in regard to the optimal management of concurrent coronary artery disease, strategies to minimize valve leaflet restriction and treatment of conduction abnormalities as well as identifying newer indications for its use.

Sutureless aortic valve replacement with Perceval bioprosthesis: are there predicting factors for postoperative pacemaker implantation?

OBJECTIVES

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) with sutureless bioprostheses has become an alternative to conventional AVR for patients with intermediate to high operative risk. However, this technique is associated with an increased risk of postoperative conduction disorders.

METHODS

We analysed 258 patients who underwent AVR with the Perceval prosthesis from July 2010 to September 2014 at our centre. Electrocardiography were obtained at baseline to record preoperatively the presence of conduction disorders. Preoperative risk factors, intraoperative procedures and complications (61 variables) were compared between patients with permanent pacemaker (PPM group) and without (no-PPM group) need for postoperative PPM implantation.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-nine patients underwent isolated AVR with the Perceval bioprosthesis, 89 patients had associated surgery and 23 patients underwent redo operations. The mean age was 77.7 ± 5 years, 139 patients were female (46%) and the mean logistic EuroSCORE was 13.2 ± 11%. At baseline, 8 patients had already an implanted pacemaker. Postoperatively, 27 patients (10.5%) required new PPM implantation due to complete atrioventricular block. On univariate analysis, age (PPM vs no-PPM group: 80 ± 5 vs 77 ± 5 years, P = 0.009) and preoperative presence of right bundle branch block (RBBB) [overall n = 20 (7.8%); PPM vs no-PPM group: 9 vs 11 (33 vs 4.8%); P < 0.001] were identified as independent predictors of postoperative conduction disorders, but only pre-existing RBBB persisted on multivariate analysis (odds ratio 11.3-C-statistic 0.74, error estimate 0.064, confidence interval 0.672-0.801; P = 0.0002). Among patients undergoing sutureless AVR, the rate of PPM implantation was high.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis of the data collected made it possible to identify preoperatively a subset of patients undergoing sutureless AVR at higher risk of postoperative atrioventricular block. Additional surgical precautions should be implemented to prevent the occurrence of conduction disorders after sutureless AVR.

[New conduction disturbances and pacemaker indications after CoreValve® transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Incidence and follow up in a single center experience]

INTRODUCTION

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is currently reserved for patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis and high surgical risk. One major limiting factor related to TAVI procedural complications is conduction abnormalities and the need for permanent pacemaker implantation.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the incidence of new conduction disturbances and pacemaker indications in patients with TAVI CoreValve® prosthesis (Medtronic Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States).

METHODS

We included 28 patients, mean age 80 years. ECG parameters were evaluated previous and after implantation. All patients were monitorized during TAVI. Follow up Holter monitoring was performed at one, 6 and 12 months after the procedure and we also evaluated telemetry of implanted pacemaker.

RESULTS

In previous ECG we found 7 patients had right bundle branch block and 7 patients had left bundle brunch block (LBBB). The post implant ECG showed 7 new LBBB: 3 during valvuloplasty and 4 on the end of it. Six patients required pacemaker implantation for permanent or paroxysmal complete AV block (CAVB). At one year follow up, 3 patients with LBBB during valvuloplasty had a normal ECG, one still had LBBB and one an asymptomatic CAVB found in Holter monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

Conduction abnormalities are frequent after CoreValve® aortic valve prosthesis implantation. The incidence of new LBBB was 25%. CAVB during or post TAVI require PM implantation. New LBBB may need a closer follow up because in a 3% of the cases it may progress to CAVB.

Current and new-generation transcatheter aortic valve devices: an update on emerging technologies

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an accepted treatment option for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who are at high risk for traditional surgical aortic valve replacement. In particular, TAVI has been shown to reduce mortality in a randomized comparison with medical treatment and to be non-inferior to surgical aortic valve replacement in 'high-risk operable' patients. From its early stages it became apparent that TAVI has tremendous potential and thus considerable efforts were made to design new devices and advance valve technology in order to improve outcomes and increase TAVI applications in complex anatomies and in patients with multiple co-morbidities. In this review, we present the advances in transcatheter aortic valve technology and discuss the current evidence on the new-generation TAVI devices.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation-induced left bundle branch block: causes and consequences

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative treatment option for patients with severe aortic valve stenosis who do not qualify for surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). Besides its proven clinical benefits, one of the complications of TAVI is the creation of conduction abnormalities, like left bundle branch block (LBBB). New LBBB occurs between 7 and 65% of cases, numbers that differ considerably between devices. In this review, we discuss the possible causes and the clinical significance of TAVI-induced LBBB. Several device- and procedural-related factors seem responsible for the development of LBBB, of which depth of implantation and balloon-annulus diameter ratio are the most important ones. TAVI-induced LBBB negatively affects cardiac function and hospitalization, but its impact on mortality is subject of debate. Future research and registries should implement strict diagnostic criteria for LBBB together with recording of its timing and persistence.

JenaValve

The JenaValve is a next-generation TAVI device which consists of a well-proven porcine root valve mounted on a low-profile nitinol stent. Feeler guided positioning and clip fixation on the diseased leaflets allow for anatomically correct implantation of the device without rapid pacing. Safety and efficacy of transapical aortic valve implantation using the JenaValve were evaluated in a multicentre prospective study that showed good short and midterm results. The valve was CE-mark released in Europe in September 2011. A post-market registry ensures on-going and prospective data collection in "real-world" patients. The transfemoral JenaValve delivery system will be evaluated in a first-in-man study in the near future.

Anesthetic management and complications of percutaneous aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Aortic stenosis is a highly prevalent and life-threatening disease. In elderly patients with comorbidities, percutaneous valve implantation is an option. The aim of the study was to describe the anesthetic management and complications of general anesthesia.

METHOD

Case series with 30-day and 24-month follow-ups after implantation of the CoreValve device performed at the Institute of Cardiology/University Foundation of Cardiology between December 2008 and January 2012. The patients underwent general anesthesia monitored with mean arterial pressure (PAM), electrocardiogram (ECG), pulse oximetry, capnography, transesophageal echocardiography, thermometry, and transvenous pacemaker.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients, mean age 82.46 years, 20.98% mean EuroSCORE, functional class III/IV, successfully underwent valve implantation. Nine patients required permanent pacemaker implantation. During follow-up, two patients died: one during surgery due to LV perforation and the other on the third day of unknown causes. At 24 months, one patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma died. This anesthetic technique proved to be safe.

CONCLUSION

The initial experience with percutaneous aortic valve implantation under general anesthesia has proven to be safe and effective, with no significant anesthetic complications during this procedure.

Ongoing requirement for pacing post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation and surgical aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVES

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an established intervention for aortic stenosis. While it is known that the requirement for permanent pacing is higher following CoreValve (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) TAVI than after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), it remains uncertain whether pacing is required in the medium-to-long term. We hypothesized that complete heart block following TAVI is more likely to resolve than that following SAVR.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collated data on 528 patients undergoing TAVI or SAVR from May 2008 to December 2010 at a cardiac tertiary referral hospital. Demographic data, timing and indication for pacing post-procedure plus follow-up were recorded. Paced patients were compared and analysed by existing initial indication for pacing.

RESULTS

In total, 31 (5.9%) patients received a pacemaker, and there were limited differences between not paced and paced patient characteristics by procedure type. Of these, a greater proportion were implanted post-TAVI compared with SAVR (17 vs 3.2%, P<0.001). The mean time to pacemaker follow-up for TAVI and SAVR was 234 and 188 days, P=0.32, respectively. Fewer patients compared with pacing indication remained in complete heart block at latest follow-up for TAVI (76.5 vs 33.3%, P=0.02) and SAVR (92.9 vs 58.3%, P=0.04). Although, there was a trend towards a greater magnitude of TAVI patients regaining atrioventricular nodal conduction, this did not differ significantly from that seen in SAVR patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In keeping with previous reports, this single-centre experience demonstrates that patients undergoing TAVI have higher rates of pacemaker implantation than those following SAVR. However, pacing indication in the short-to-medium term may not persist for all paced patients post-TAVI and -SAVR with the suggestion that a significant proportion recover atrioventricular conduction, which tended to be greatest in TAVI paced patients.

Predictive factors for pacemaker requirement after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been established as a treatment option for inoperable patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. However, patients suffer frequently from conduction disturbances after TAVI.

Methods

Baseline, procedural as well as surface and intracardiac ECG parameters were evaluated for patients treated with TAVI and a comparison between patients requiring pacemaker with those not suffering from relevant conduction disorders were done.

Results

TAVI was successfully in all patients (n=45). Baseline surface and intracardiac ECG recording revealed longer PQ (197.1±51.2 msec versus 154.1±32.1 msec; p<0.001), longer AH (153.6±43.4 msec versus 116.1±31.2 msec; p<0.001) and HV interval (81.7±17.8 msec versus 56.8±8.5 msec; p<0.001) in patients with need for a pacemaker (n=23) versus control group (n=22); furthermore, 7-day follow-up analysis showed a higher prevalence of new left bundle branch block (LBBB) (87.0% versus 31.9%; p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that only new LBBB, QRS duration >120 msec and a PQ interval >200 msec immediately (within 60 minutes) after implantation of the aortic valve were predictors for high-grade (type II second-degree and third-degree) AV block. Other clinical parameters as well as baseline electrocardiographic parameters had no impact on critical conduction delay.

Conclusion

Cardiac conduction disturbances are common after TAVI. The need for pacing after TAVI is predictable by surface ECG evaluation immediately (within 60 minutes) after the procedure.

Preliminary feasibility and hemodynamic performance of a newly-developed self-expanding bioprosthesis and 16-F delivery system in transcatheter aortic valve implantation in sheep

We sought to evaluate the feasibility and hemodynamic performance of a new self-expanding bioprosthesis and 16-F delivery system in sheep. A 23-mm new self-expanding aortic bioprosthesis was implanted in sheep (n = 10) with a 16-F catheter via the right common carotid artery. Each sheep underwent angiography and coronary angiography before intervention, immediately and 1 h after stent implantation. Electrocardiographic monitoring was carried out during and 2 h after the procedure. Transthoracic echocardiography was employed to detect hemodynamic performance before intervention, immediately and 1 and 2 h after stent implantation. All sheep were euthanized 2 h after successful implantation for macroscopic inspection. In all cases, the new self-expanding aortic bioprosthesis was successfully delivered to the aortic root and released with a 16-F catheter. Successful implantation was achieved in 8 of 10 sheep. Hemodynamic performance and device position of successful implantation were stable 2 h after device deployment. Atrioventricular block was not observed. We conclude that it is feasible to implant the new self-expanding aortic valve with a 16-F delivery system into sheep hearts via the retrograde route.

[Transcatheter aortic valve implantation : what do anesthetists need to know?]

Surgical replacement of aortic valves is the gold standard for therapy of high grade aortic valve stenosis. However, the changes in demography confront the responsible medical discipline with an increasingly higher risk profile of patients which necessitates the development of new less invasive alternative forms of treatment for the surgical therapy of aortic valve stenosis. This developmental process has progressed from mini-thoracotomy to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The TAVI procedure is a new therapeutic option for treatment of patients with high grade aortic valve stenosis and high perioperative morbidity and mortality risks with conventional aortic valve replacement. Because TAVI can be carried out while the heart is still beating and without a sternotomy or heart-lung maschine, this procedure is particularly suitable for elderly multimorbid patients and/or patients with previous cardiac surgery. The initial results of large prospective multicenter studies underline the value of TAVI in the modern treatment of high risk patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. In addition to an understanding of the surgical procedure, anesthetists must have precise knowledge of the perioperative anesthesia management and possible complications of the procedure.

[Advances in cardiac pacing]

This article contains a review of the current status of remote monitoring and follow-up involving cardiac pacing devices and of the latest developments in cardiac resynchronization therapy. In addition, the most important articles published in the last year are discussed.