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Published on: December 11, 2017
Pre-operative prophylactic transvenous cardiac pacing for bifascicular heart block
Insights
Bifascicular block, a heart condition, can progress to complete heart block during non-cardiac surgery. Prophylactic pacing may be needed for patients with bifascicular block, especially with other risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Background:
- Right bundle-branch block with left axis deviation, termed bifascicular block, is often not considered an indication for prophylactic pacing in non-cardiac surgery.
- The management of bifascicular block in the peri-operative setting requires careful consideration.
Observation:
- Five cases are presented where patients with bifascicular block experienced peri-operative progression to complete heart block.
- This progression highlights a potential risk associated with non-cardiac surgery in this patient population.
Findings:
- Bifascicular block can progress to complete heart block during the peri-operative period.
- The risk is elevated in patients with additional cardiovascular conditions, advanced age, or those undergoing surgery involving vagal stimulation.
Implications:
- Prophylactic pacing should be considered for patients with bifascicular block, particularly those with comorbidities or undergoing specific surgical procedures.
- Pre-operative cardiological consultation is crucial for assessing the need for pacing in patients with bifascicular block before non-cardiac surgery.
Abstract:
Some authorities consider that the combination of right bundle-branch block with left axis deviation (bifascicular block) is not an indication for prophylactic insertion of a pacing generator in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Five patients who developed peri-operative progression of bifascicular block to complete heart block are described. Bifascicular block, together with any other cardiovascular condition, advanced age or surgery in regions that promote vagal stimulation, merit consideration for prophylactic pacing. A cardiological opinion is an essential aspect of the pre-operative preparation of patients with this abnormality.
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