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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
Early and persistent intraventricular conduction abnormalities and requirements for pacemaking after percutaneous
Nicolo Piazza1, Yoshinobu Onuma, Emile Jesserun
1Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Insights
Percutaneous aortic valve replacement significantly increases left bundle branch block. Patients with pre-existing right bundle branch block may require pacemakers after the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Background:
- Previous studies suggest conduction abnormalities after aortic valve replacement.
- The incidence and pacing needs require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of post-procedural conduction abnormalities.
- To assess the need for pacing after percutaneous aortic valve implantation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 40 patients undergoing CoreValve implantation.
- Electrocardiograms (ECGs) analyzed pre-procedure, post-procedure, and at 1-month follow-up.
- Documentation of temporary and permanent pacemaker requirements.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in left bundle branch block (LBBB) from 15% to 55% post-procedure (p=0.001).
- LBBB incidence decreased to 48% at 1-month follow-up, not statistically significant.
- 20% required temporary pacing, and 18% required permanent pacing.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous aortic valve prosthesis insertion significantly increases LBBB frequency.
- Pre-existing right bundle branch block indicates a higher risk for complete heart block and pacing dependency.
Objectives:
In this retrospective study, we examined the incidence of post-procedural conduction abnormalities and the need for pacing in patients undergoing percutaneous implantation of the aortic valve.
Background:
Safety and feasibility studies have suggested anecdotally the occurrence of conduction abnormalities and requirements for pacing after percutaneous implantation of the aortic valve.
Methods:
We examined the standard 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) of 40 consecutive patients in whom a CoreValve Revalving System (CoreValve, Paris, France) was implanted between November 2005 and March 2008. We examined the 12-lead ECG before treatment, after treatment, and at 1-month follow-up. We documented the requirements for temporary or permanent pacemaking.
Results:
The mean age of patients was 82 +/- 7 years. Post-procedural mortality at 72 h was 0%. There was a significant increase in the frequency of left bundle branch block (LBBB) after percutaneous aortic valve replacement (15% before treatment vs. 55% after treatment, p = 0.001). Although the incidence of LBBB had decreased after follow-up of 1 month, it did not reach statistical significance, with the proportion decreasing from 55% to 48% (p = 0.63). The only 2 patients with pre-treatment right bundle branch block became dependent on temporary pacing immediately after valve implantation and subsequently needed permanent pacing. A temporary and permanent pacemaker was required in 20% and 18% of patients, respectively.
Conclusions:
In this study, there was a significant increase in the frequency of LBBB after percutaneous insertion of the aortic valvar prosthesis. Patients with pre-existing right bundle branch block may be at risk for the development of complete heart block and subsequent need for pacing.
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