Incidence, Predictors, and Prognostic Impact of New Permanent Pacemaker Implantation After TAVR With Self-Expanding Valves

The randomized controlled trial to compare temporary permanent pacemaker vs temporary pacemaker in patients with conduction block after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Rationale and design of the RECOVER trial

RATIONALE

Current guidelines and expert consensus recommend different time thresholds of temporary pacemaker (TM) indwelling in patients with conduction block after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Accordingly, this lack of clinical evidence and effective strategies has resulted in extensive variations in permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation patterns, potentially leading to over-early PPM implantation. The use of a temporary permanent pacemaker (TPPM), which involves an active fixation pacing lead and an external pulse generator secured to the skin surface, may be effective and safe in these patients. TPPM may improve postoperative mobility and facilitate early discharge, while providing prolonged and stable pacing for the recovery of conduction block, thereby reducing unnecessary PPM implantation.

DESIGN

The RECOVER trial is a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled study comparing TPPM vs TM in patients with conduction block after TAVR. The trial will enroll 160 subjects across 13 sites in China. Inclusion criteria include patients with persistent third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB), second-degree AVB, first-degree AVB with symptoms (PR interval >300 ms), alternating bundle branch block or bifascicular block with syncope/blackness related symptoms occurred during TAVR procedure or within 1 month after TAVR. Enrolled patients will be randomized 1:1 to the TPPM group for a 1-month bridge or the TM group for conventional 24 to 48 hours pacing. The primary effectiveness endpoint is the rate of PPM implantation at 6 months after the occurrence of AVB. Secondary effectiveness endpoint is the rate of PPM implantation at 1 month after the occurrence of AVB. Safety endpoints include all-cause mortality and TPPM/TM/PPM procedure-related complications during the 6-month follow-up. Key data collected will include sociodemographic information, medical history, electrocardiograph, HOLTER, echocardiography, contrast-enhanced cardiac CT, details of procedures and pacemaker interrogation. Indication for PPM implantation will be adjudicated by an independent pacing electrophysiologist committee.

CONCLUSION

The RECOVER trial will evaluate whether TPPM is superior to conventional TM in reducing the rate of PPM implantation in patients with conduction block after TAVR, with a buffer period to distinguish whether conduction block is reversible or persistent.

CURRENT STATUS

The trial is still enrolling participants (with 14 enrolled as of January 1, 2025).

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Randomized controlled trial to compare temporary permanent pacemaker vs temporary pacemaker in patients with conduction block after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400087536. Registered at July 30, 2024. https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=227719.

Predictors of pacemaker implantation in aortic regurgitation patients treated with a dedicated transcatheter heart valve

BACKGROUND

The JenaValve Trilogy System (JVTS) is the only dedicated transcatheter heart valve system approved for treating patients with aortic regurgitation (AR). Recently, several studies have revealed high rates of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) exceeding 20% in patients with AR.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for new PPI after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the JVTS.

METHODS

This retrospective multicentre registry included 141 patients without prior PPI who underwent transfemoral TAVI with the JVTS. Comparative analyses were performed regarding baseline and procedural parameters between patients with and without new PPI at discharge. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify predictors of PPI.

RESULTS

The median age of patients was 81 (interquartile range [IQR] 76-85) years, 41% were female, and the median European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II was 3.6% (IQR 2.0-6.4). All patients presented with ≥moderate AR. At discharge, 34 patients (24.1%) required a new PPI. Pre-existing first-degree atrioventricular block and right bundle branch block were identified as independent predictors of new PPI. Anatomical characteristics, including annular and left ventricular outflow tract perimeters, were not predictive. Procedural factors such as implantation depth and valve oversizing were also not statistically different between patients with or without new PPI.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, 24.1% of patients undergoing TAVI with the JVTS required a new PPI. While rates of new PPI were strongly associated with pre-existing first-degree atrioventricular block and right bundle branch block using the JVTS, no modifiable risk factors were identified.

Progression of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with right ventricular pacing

OBJECTIVE

To compare the prevalence and progression of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after the implantation of right-ventricular pacing cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) versus biventricular pacing devices.

BACKGROUND

TR in patients with CIEDs is often linked to mechanical interference from leads, but studies show TR can also progress with leadless pacemakers, suggesting a direct effect of pacing.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 549 patients who received a pacemaker (PM), implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device. Follow-ups were conducted after one year and at least three years with aggregate interrogation and transthoracic echocardiography performed. Patients were categorized into two groups: right-ventricular (RVall) pacing and biventricular (BiV) pacing.

RESULTS

Median age was 68 [57-76] years, with 419 (76.3%) being male. Of these patients, 21.5% received an ICD, 30.4% a PM, and 48.1% a CRT device (RVall: n = 285; BiV: n = 264). BiV patients had worse left ventricular (LV) function and more pronounced evidence of RV dilatation at baseline. After three years, a relevant TR was more prevalent in the RV paced patients (RVall: 17.4%; BiV: 9.8%). Also, an increase in TR grade of ≥I° and ≥II° was more frequent in the RVall group. While tricuspid annular systolic excursion (TAPSE) deteriorated in the RVall group, it was preserved in the BiV group.

CONCLUSIONS

RV pacing was associated with a higher prevalence and severity of TR after CIED implantation compared to BiV pacing, but this effect might also be explained by significant differences in the group's clinical characteristics.

Impact of aortic landing zone geometry on TAVI implantation depth: comparison between ACURATE neo2 and Portico/Evolut

BACKGROUND

During transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), increased aortic angulation can affect the final implantation depth of self-expandable (SE) devices due to the interaction between the high stent frame and the targeted aortic landing zone (LZ). We herein sought to investigate the behaviour of the ACURATE neo2, a SE device with a unique release mechanism, in relation to patient-specific angulation and curvature of the aortic LZ.

METHODS

The mismatch between the intended and the final implantation depth (∆H) was compared between patients treated with ACURATE neo2 (Acurate, n=106) and Evolut/Portico (n=101) SE devices. To do so, curvature (κ LZ,tot ) and angulation (αLZ,Dist ) were calculated based on the three-dimensional aortic LZ centerline available from pre-TAVI CT.

RESULTS

The Acurate and Evolut/Portico groups showed a negligible difference (p=0.09) for ∆H averaged between non-coronary (NCC) and left coronary cusp (LCC). However, when splitting both ∆HNCC and ∆HLCC values into two subgroups based on κ LZ,tot and αLZ,Dist median values, ∆H significantly increased on LCC compared with NCC in Evolut/Portico patients with high LZ curvature (κLZ,tot >0.123/mm, p=0.016) and high LZ distal angulation (αLZ,Dist >28.5°, p=0.012). No statistically significant differences arose within the Acurate group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among SE devices, the ACURATE neo2 was the least affected by the curvature and angulation of the LZ anatomy, leading to a more predictable and symmetrical implantation depth. The clinical impact of this finding on TAVI outcomes in patients with an angulated aortic LZ warrants further investigation in larger studies.

Efficacy and safety of transfemoral TAVR in pure aortic regurgitation patients: a single center study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) via the femoral approach in patients with pure aortic regurgitation (AR), with a focus on mortality, adverse event rates, cardiac function, and clinical symptom improvement. The study utilised a single-centre experience to provide insights and offer guidance for the management of TAVR in AR patients. Patients with aortic valve pathology who underwent TAVR at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, from January 2018 to March 2023 were enrolled. They were classified into two groups: pure AR and aortic stenosis (AS) based on preoperative transthoracic echocardiography. We compared baseline characteristics, imaging data, surgical outcomes, and follow-up conditions between them. We focused on the safety and efficacy of TAVR in patients with AR and evaluated these results using regression analysis. The study cohort comprised 87 patients, with 21 in the AR group and 63 in the AS group. We revealed that AR patients exhibited low mortality and adverse event rates following transfemoral TAVR, with notable improvements in postoperative cardiac function and substantial symptom relief. However, the rates of paravalvular leak (PVL), permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation, and valve-in-valve procedures were relatively elevated. While these findings suggest that TAVR may represent a viable therapeutic option for patients with AR, the elevated rates of PVL, PPM implantation, and readmission underscore the need for further investigation, with larger cohorts and extended follow-up, to more robustly evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of this approach.

Impact of Noncoaxial Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation on Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Noncoaxial placement of transcatheter heart valves (THVs) relative to the native aortic annulus is occasionally detected on fluoroscopy after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of noncoaxial TAVR deployment on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR in the Bern transcatheter aortic valve implantation registry. Coaxiality between the native annulus and the THV was measured using the 3-cusp view on fluoroscopic images and was defined as the angle between a line intersecting the lower points of native cusps and a line intersecting the lower hinge points of the prosthesis frame. Patients were categorized according to tertiles of coaxiality.

RESULTS

Among 2,025 patients (mean age 81.6 ± 6.5 years, mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality 4.2% ± 3.3%) undergoing TAVR with contemporary devices between February 2014 and June 2023, the mean axial angulation of the device relative to the native annulus was 4.1°. According to Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 criteria, patients in the highest tertile of THV axial angle (range, 4.8-21.7°) had reduced device early safety (56.2% vs 82.7%; aHR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.59-0.76; P < 0.001) and higher rates of stage-2 bioprosthetic valve failure at 1-year follow-up (1.5% vs 0.7%; HR: 3.47; 95% CI: 1.26-9.54; P = 0.016), compared to those with coaxial valve positioning (range, 0.1-3.0). Left ventricle outflow tract calcium volume, predilatation, and valve type were independent predictors of noncoaxial valve implantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Noncoaxial THV deployment is associated with impaired valve early safety and increased risk of bioprosthetic valve failure 1 year after TAVR.

Comparative Prognostic Value of Risk Factors for Predicting Pacemaker Implantation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

This study compares the prognostic value of risk factors for Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched until November 2024 for studies reporting PPI incidence within 30 days post-TAVR. A random-effect model was used to pool risk ratios (RR) and standardized mean differences (SDM) for binary and continuous risk factors. Network meta-analysis estimated pooled risk differences (ΔRR) for binary predictors with male sex as the reference. Significant predictors were ranked based on their surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values. A total of 108 studies comprising 77,538 patients (14,560 requiring PPI) were included. Male sex (RR: 1.13), baseline atrial fibrillation (AF) (RR: 1.12), 2nd degree Mobitz I (RR: 5.16) and Mobitz II (RR: 2.30) atrioventricular blocks (AVB), 3rd degree AVB (RR: 13.46), left anterior (LAHB) (RR: 1.79) and posterior hemiblocks (LPHB) (RR: 2.57), bifascicular block (RR: 2.34), right bundle branch block (RBBB) (RR: 3.20) and intraprocedural AVB (RR: 4.15) were identified as predictors for PPI post-TAVR. The risk of PPI was higher with self-expandable valves (RR: 1.79), subclavian access (RR: 1.75), and 29 mm prostheses (RR: 1.33) compared to balloon-expandable valves, transfemoral access, and 23 mm prostheses. Network meta-analysis ranked 3rd degree AVB (SUCRA <0.01), Mobitz I AVB (SUCRA: 0.14), Mobitz II AVB (SUCRA: 0.33), intraprocedural AVB (SUCRA: 0.42), bifascicular block (SUCRA: 0.48), RBBB (SUCRA: 0.49) and LPHB (SUCRA: 0.54) as major predictors of PPI in descending order of significance. In conclusion, clinicians should closely monitor conduction abnormalities as key predictors of PPI following TAVR. Additionally, other risk factors such as subclavian access, self-expanding implantation, AF, large prosthesis diameter, and male sex should not be overlooked.

Long-Term Outcomes of Patients Requiring Pacemaker Implantation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: The SwissTAVI Registry

BACKGROUND

The impact of pacemaker (PM) implantation on outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains controversial, especially as TAVR indications expand to low-risk patients.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the all-cause and cardiovascular mortality of patients undergoing PM implantation after TAVR.

METHODS

In this prospective, observational, nationwide TAVR cohort study, the outcomes of patients undergoing permanent PM implantation were investigated. Patients were enrolled from 19 centers across Switzerland between February 2011 and June 2022.

RESULTS

Among 13,360 patients enrolled (mean age 82 ± 7 years, 47% female, self-expanding valves 48%, median follow-up 889 days [Q1-Q3: 365-1,765 days]), 2,028 (15%) required PM implantation within 30 days post-TAVR. Patients requiring post-TAVR PM implantation were older (82 ± 6 years of age vs 81 ± 7 years of age), were predominantly male (58% vs 50%), and more often had atrial fibrillation (34% vs 29%). At 1-year follow-up, these patients had higher overall mortality (aHR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.05-1.26; P = 0.002) and cardiovascular mortality (aHR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.06-1.46; P = 0.006). These trends persisted at 5- and 10-year follow-up. After multivariable adjustments, significantly higher rates of cardiovascular mortality, LVEF decline ≥10%, and NYHA functional class III or IV at 1-year follow-up were observed (aHR: 1.44,; 95% CI: 1.35-1.54; P < 0.001), along with higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates at 5- and 10-year follow-up in patients requiring PM implantation following TAVR compared with those not needing a PM.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large nationwide registry, patients receiving PM implantation within 30 days after TAVR had significantly higher rates of overall and cardiovascular mortality up to 10 years. (SwissTAVI Registry; NCT01368250).

Outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in bicuspid versus tricuspid aortic stenosis with severe calcification

BACKGROUND

The comparative outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in bicuspid versus tricuspid aortic stenosis (AS) with severe calcification remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of TAVR in these patient groups.

METHODS

Using data from the Chinese Cardiovascular Association Database-National Transcatheter Valve Therapeutics Registry, we analysed 870 propensity score matched pairs of patients with severe calcification (≥470 mm³) undergoing TAVR between April 2014 and August 2023. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 1 year.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in technical success (95.1% vs 94.7%), procedural complications or in-hospital outcomes. All-cause mortality at 1 year was similar between bicuspid and tricuspid AS (4.3% vs 5.3%, HR 0.87; log-rank p=0.62). The incidence of stroke (1.5% vs 1.4%), cardiovascular hospitalisation (1.4% vs 1.7%) and moderate-to-severe paravalvular leak (3.5% vs 2.5%) was similar during follow-up. The rate of new permanent pacemaker implantation was higher in bicuspid AS (8.4% vs 5.6%; p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

TAVR was observed to be equally safe and effective in bicuspid and tricuspid AS with severe calcification, though bicuspid AS was associated with a higher rate of permanent pacemaker implantation.

The impact of permanent pacemaker implantation on long-term survival after cardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The long-term impact of permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation on survival after cardiac surgery remains ill defined. We aimed to investigate the effect of PPM on survival and explore factors driving outcomes using meta-regression according to the type of surgery.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched through October 2023 to identify studies reporting the long-term outcomes of PPM implantation. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality during follow-up. The secondary outcome was heart failure rehospitalization. The subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were performed according to the type of surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. 183,555 patients (n = 6298; PPM, n = 177,257; no PPM) were analyzed for all-cause mortality, with a weighted median follow-up of 79.7 months. PPM implantation was associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality during follow-up (hazard ratio, 1.22; confidence interval, 1.08-1.38, P < .01) and heart failure rehospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.24; confidence interval, 1.01-1.52, P = .04). Meta-regression demonstrated the adverse impact of PPM was less prominent in patients undergoing mitral or tricuspid valve surgery, whereas studies with a greater proportion with aortic valve replacement were associated with worse outcomes. Similarly, a greater proportion with atrioventricular block as an indication of PPM was associated with worse survival.

CONCLUSIONS

PPM implantation after cardiac surgery is associated with a greater risk of long-term all-cause mortality and heart failure rehospitalization. This impact is more prominent in patients undergoing aortic valve surgery or atrioventricular block as an indication than those undergoing mitral or tricuspid valve surgery.

Early outcomes of the novel Myval THV series compared to SAPIEN THV series and Evolut THV series in individuals with severe aortic stenosis

BACKGROUND

There are limited head-to-head randomised trials comparing the performance of different transcatheter heart valves (THVs).

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the non-inferiority of the balloon-expandable Myval THV series compared to the balloon-expandable SAPIEN THV series or the self-expanding Evolut THV series.

METHODS

The LANDMARK trial randomised 768 patients in a 1:1 ratio, (Myval THV series [n=384] vs contemporary series with 50% SAPIEN THV series [n=192] and 50% Evolut THV series [n=192]). The non-inferiority of Myval over the SAPIEN or Evolut THV series in terms of the 30-day primary composite safety and effectiveness endpoint as per the third Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-3) was tested in an intention-to-treat population with a predefined statistical power of 80% (1-sided alpha of 5%) for a non-inferiority margin of 10.44%.

RESULTS

The Myval THV series achieved non-inferiority for the primary composite endpoint over the SAPIEN THV series (24.7% vs 24.1%, risk difference [95% confidence interval {CI}]: 0.6% [not applicable {NA} to 8.0]; p=0.0033) and the Evolut THV series (24.7% vs 30.0%, risk difference [95% CI]: -5.3% [NA to 2.5]; p<0.0001). The incidences of pacemaker implantation were comparable (Myval THV series: 15.0%, SAPIEN THV series: 17.3%, Evolut THV series: 16.8%). At 30 days, the mean pressure gradient and effective orifice area were significantly better with the Myval THV series compared to the SAPIEN THV series (p<0.0001) and better with the Evolut THV series than with the Myval THV series (p<0.0001). At 30 days, the proportion of moderate to severe prosthetic valve regurgitation was numerically higher with the Evolut THV series compared to the Myval THV series (7.4% vs 3.4%; p=0.06), while not significantly different between the Myval THV series and the SAPIEN THV series (3.4% vs 1.6%; p=0.32).

CONCLUSIONS

The Myval THV series is non-inferior to the SAPIEN THV series and the Evolut THV series in terms of the primary composite endpoint at 30 days.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04275726; EudraCT number 2020-000,137-40.

Valve Performance Between Latest-Generation Balloon-Expandable and Self-Expandable Transcatheter Heart Valves in a Small Aortic Annulus

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using a self-expandable valve (SEV) promotes better hemodynamics compared with a balloon-expandable valve (BEV) in a small aortic annulus (SAA).

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to compare hemodynamic properties and clinical outcomes between the latest-generation BEV and SEV after TAVR for SAA.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 1,227 patients undergoing TAVR for aortic stenosis with SAA, defined as an annulus area ≤430 mm2, using the BEV (SAPIEN3 Ultra RESILIA, Edwards Lifesciences) and SEV (Evolut FX, Medtronic). The impact of valve design on severe prosthesis-patient mismatch, aortic valve mean pressure gradient ≥20 mm Hg, paravalvular leakage (PVL) ≥ mild, new permanent pacemaker implantation (PMI), and modified VARC-3 device success at discharge was evaluated using logistic regression and propensity score analysis.

RESULTS

Of 1,227 patients, 798 (65.0%) underwent TAVR with BEV implantation. TAVR using BEV had a relatively higher rate of severe prosthesis-patient mismatch (OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 0.54-5.62) and significantly higher incidence of mean pressure gradient ≥20 mm Hg (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 0.91-4.62) than that using SEV. By contrast, the BEV showed significantly lower incidence of PVL ≥ mild (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.14-0.26), and new PMI (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.33-0.86). The rate of device success was comparable between the BEV and the SEV. These results were confirmed by propensity score analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In TAVR for SAA, SEV demonstrated better hemodynamics than the latest BEV, whereas the latest BEV had lower incidences of PVL ≥ mild and new PMI than the SEV.

Conduction Disturbances After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: An Update on Epidemiology, Preventive Strategies, and Management

Conduction disturbances (CDs) are common after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Continuous improvements in preprocedural planification, implant techniques, and device design have markedly reduced periprocedural complications. However, CDs rate remains in the double-digit range. Because CDs after TAVR are associated with poorer outcomes, seeking a reduction in their occurrence is paramount. Several nonmodifiable and modifiable factors are associated with an increased risk of CDs. Previous right bundle branch block has been shown to have a strong association with pacemaker implant after TAVR. Among the modifiable factors, a lower implantation depth seems to be associated with a higher risk of CDs, and several implant strategies aiming to obtain a higher implant depth have shown promising results. This literature review provides a detailed description of updated evidence about the epidemiology, impact, and preventive and management strategies of CDs after TAVR. Also, based on these updated data, a fast-track protocol CDs management is proposed.

Impact of Accidental High or Low Implantation Depth on Peri-Procedural Outcomes after Implantation with the Self-Expanding ACURATE neo2

Background: Precise implantation could play a crucial role in the technical success of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for some prostheses. The impact of an accidental implantation depth (ID) outside the recommended range has not been assessed for the ACURATE neo2 (NEO2). Methods: Data from 1839 patients with severe native aortic stenosis treated with the NEO2 prosthesis were evaluated. We compared the results of prostheses implanted in an ID both inside and outside the recommendations. The outcome assessment followed the Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 criteria. Results: Patients were retrospectively divided into high (<3 mm; n = 412), optimal (3-7 mm; n = 1236), and low (>7 mm; n = 169) implantations. Technical success (94.7% vs. 94.7% vs. 91.7%, p = 0.296) and device success were high (90.1% vs. 89.3% vs. 84.6%, p = 0.112) without differences between groups. Rates of relevant paravalvular regurgitation (PVL; >mild or VinV due to PVL) were comparable (1.2% vs. 1.8% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.759). Even when hemodynamics were superior in the high-implantation group, with greater iEOA (1.01 cm2/m2 vs. 0.95 cm2/m2 vs. 0.92 cm2/m2, p < 0.001), spontaneous embolization or after post-dilatation was more common. Low implantation was associated with a higher rate of associated pacemaker implantation (PPI) (6.1% vs. 8.8% vs. 14.8%, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Implantation with the ACURATE neo2 showed excellent hemodynamic results, including low gradients and a small number of relevant PVL, in line with a high technical success rate that was irrespective of the ID. A favorable outcome can also be achieved in accidental low or high positions. Low implantation was associated with a higher rate of associated pacemaker implantation. Deliberately high implantation should be avoided due to the risk of embolization.

Anatomical Annulus Predictors of New Permanent Pacemaker Implantation Risk After Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

New-generation transcatheter heart valves have significantly improved technical success and procedural safety of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures; however, the incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) remains a concern. This study aimed to assess the role of anatomic annulus features in determining periprocedural conduction disturbances leading to new PPI after TAVI using the last-generation Edwards SAPIEN balloon-expandable valves. In the context of a prospective single-center registry, we integrated the clinical and procedural predictors of PPI with anatomic data derived from multislice computed tomography. A total of 210 consecutive patients treated with balloon-expandable Edwards transcatheter heart valve were included in the study from 2015 to 2023. Technical success was achieved in 197 procedures (93.8%), and 26 patients (12.4%) required new PPI at the 30-day follow-up (median time to implantation 3 days). At the univariable logistic regression analysis, preprocedural right bundle branch block (odds ratio [OR] 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 4.97, p = 0.047), annulus eccentricity ≥0.25 (OR 5.43, 95% CI 2.21 to 13.36, p <0.001), calcium volume at annulus of the right coronary cusp >48 mm3 (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.13 to 5.96, p = 0.024), and prosthesis implantation depth greater than membranous septum length (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.10 to 4.28, p = 0.026) were associated with new PPI risk. In the multivariable analysis, preprocedural right bundle branch block (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.01 to 7.85, p = 0.049), annulus eccentricity ≥0.25 (OR 4.14, 95% CI 1.85 to 9.27, p <0.001), and annulusright coronary cusp calcium >48 mm3 (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.07 to 7.82, p = 0.037) were confirmed as independent predictors of new PPI. In conclusion, specific anatomic features of the aortic valve annulus might have an additive role in determining the occurrence of conduction disturbances in patients who underwent TAVI with balloon-expandable valves. This suggests the possibility to use multislice computed tomography to improve the prediction of post-TAVI new PPI risk.

Permanent pacemaker reduction using temporary-permanent pacemaker as a 1-month bridge after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a prospective, multicentre, single-arm, observational study

BACKGROUND

The permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation and pacemaker dependency rates after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are highly variable as some of the conduction disturbances are reversible. It remains poorly investigated how to optimise temporary pacing in these patients. This study aimed to explore the potential reduction in the PPM implantation rate using temporary-permanent pacemaker (TPPM) as a 1-month bridge.

METHODS

This is a prospective, multicentre, single-arm, observational study. Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR from March 1, 2022 to March 1, 2023 in 13 tertiary hospitals in China were screened. Patients who developed high-degree atrioventricular block, complete heart block, or first-degree atrioventricular block plus new onset left bundle branch block during the TAVR procedure or within 1 month after TAVR were included to receive TPPM. Patients with pre-existing PPM implantation or indications for PPM implantation before the TAVR procedure were excluded. Patients with TPPM were monitored to determine whether the conduction disturbances persisted or recovered. The primary endpoint was the rate of freedom from indications for PPM implantation 1 month after TAVR. This study is registered with ChiCTR, ChiCTR2200057931.

FINDINGS

Of 688 patients who have undergone TAVR, 71 developed conduction disturbance and met the inclusion criteria, 1 patient withdrew due to noncompliance, 70 patients received TPPM and completed follow-up. There were 41 (58.6%) men and 29 (41.4%) women in the study, with a mean age of 74.3 ± 7.3 years. At 1 month follow-up, 75.7% (53/70) of the patients with TPPM did not require PPM implantation. For 688 patients who have undergone TAVR, the rate of PPM implantation at 1 month was 2.47% (17/688, 95% CI 1.55%-3.92%), representing a significant reduction in self-comparison with the rate at 48 h after TPPM (2.47% vs. 8.28% [95% CI 6.45%-10.58%], P < 0.0001). Similar results were obtained in the subgroup analysis of patients with HAVB/CHB. Multivariate analysis revealed the baseline PR interval, difference between the membranous septum length and implantation depth, and timing of postprocedural conduction disturbance occurrence were independent predictors of freedom from indications for PPM implantation at 1 month after TAVR.

INTERPRETATION

Using TPPM as a 1-month bridge allows for a buffer period to distinguish whether conduction disturbances are reversible or persistent, resulting in a significant reduction in the PPM implantation rate after TAVR when compared with the current strategy. However, this is an observational study, the results need to be confirmed in a randomized trial.

FUNDING

Beijing Science and Technology Plan 2022 from Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission.

Angulation and curvature of aortic landing zone affect implantation depth in transcatheter aortic valve implantation

In transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), final device position may be affected by device interaction with the whole aortic landing zone (LZ) extending to ascending aorta. We investigated the impact of aortic LZ curvature and angulation on TAVI implantation depth, comparing short-frame balloon-expanding (BE) and long-frame self-expanding (SE) devices. Patients (n = 202) treated with BE or SE devices were matched based on one-to-one propensity score. Primary endpoint was the mismatch between the intended (HPre) and the final (HPost) implantation depth. LZ curvature and angulation were calculated based on the aortic centerline trajectory available from pre-TAVI computed tomography. Total LZ curvature ( k L Z , t o t ) and LZ angulation distal to aortic annulus ( α L Z , D i s t a l ) were greater in the SE compared to the BE group (P < 0.001 for both). In the BE group, HPost was significantly higher than HPre at both cusps (P < 0.001). In the SE group, HPost was significantly deeper than HPre only at the left coronary cusp (P = 0.013). At multivariate analysis, α L Z , D i s t a l was the only independent predictor (OR = 1.11, P = 0.002) of deeper final implantation depth with a cut-off value of 17.8°. Aortic LZ curvature and angulation significantly affected final TAVI implantation depth, especially in high stent-frame SE devices reporting, upon complete release, deeper implantation depth with respect to the intended one.

Predictors, clinical impact, and management strategies for conduction abnormalities after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: an updated review

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has increasingly become a safe, feasible, and widely accepted alternative surgical treatment for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. However, the incidence of conduction abnormalities associated with TAVR, including left bundle branch block (LBBB) and high-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB), remains high and is often correlated with risk factors such as the severity of valvular calcification, preexisting conditions in patients, and procedural factors. The existing research results on the impact of post-TAVR conduction abnormalities and permanent pacemaker (PPM) requirements on prognosis, including all-cause mortality and rehospitalization, remain contradictory, with varied management strategies for post-TAVR conduction system diseases across different institutions. This review integrates the latest research in the field, offering a comprehensive discussion of the mechanisms, risk factors, consequences, and management of post-TAVR conduction abnormalities. This study provides insights into optimizing patient prognosis and explores the potential of novel strategies, such as conduction system pacing, to minimize the risk of adverse clinical outcomes.

Impact on clinical outcome of ventricular arrhythmias in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a largely used treatment for severe aortic stenosis. There are limited data, however, about predictors of long-term prognosis in this population. In this study, we assessed whether ventricular arrhythmias may predict clinical outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a 24 h ECG Holter monitoring in 267 patients who underwent TAVI for severe aortic stenosis within 30 days from a successful procedure. The occurrence of frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs; ≥30/h), polymorphic PVCs and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) was obtained for each patient. Clinical outcome was obtained for 228 patients (85%), for an average follow-up of 3.5 years (range 1.0-8.6). Cardiovascular events (CVEs; cardiovascular death or resuscitated cardiac arrest) occurred in 26 patients (11.4%) and 63 patients died (27.6%). Frequent PVCs but not polymorphic PVCs and NSVT were found to be associated with CVEs at univariate analysis. Frequent PVCs were indeed found in 12 patients with (46.2%) and 35 without (17.3%) CVEs [hazard ratio 2.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-5.09; P  = 0.04], whereas polymorphic PVCs were found in 11 (42.3%) and 54 (26.7%) patients of the two groups, respectively (hazard ratio 1.44; 95% CI 0.64-3.25; P  = 0.38), and NSVT in 9 (34.6%) and 43 patients of the two groups, respectively (hazard ratio 1.18; 95% CI 0.48-2.87; P  = 0.72). Frequent PVCs, however, were not significantly associated with CVEs at multivariate Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio 1.53; 95% CI 0.37-6.30; P  = 0.56). Both frequent PVCs, polymorphic PVCs and NSVT showed no significant association with mortality.

CONCLUSION

In our study, the detection of frequent PVCs at Holter monitoring after TAVI was a predictor of CVEs (cardiovascular death/cardiac arrest), but this association was lost in multivariable analysis.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in heart failure

Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) may develop heart failure (HF), the presence of which has traditionally been deemed as a final stage in AS progression with poor outcomes. The use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become the preferred therapy for most patients with AS and concomitant HF. With its instant afterload reduction, TAVR offers patients with HF significant haemodynamic benefits, with corresponding changes in left ventricular structure and improved mortality and quality of life. The prognostic covariates and optimal timing of TAVR in patients with less than severe AS remain unclear. The purpose of this review is to describe the association between TAVR and outcomes in patients with HF, particularly in the setting of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, acute HF, and right ventricular systolic dysfunction, and to highlight areas for future research.