Risk factors concerning complications following permanent pacemaker implantation for patients on antithrombotic...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Devices
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Pacemaker implantation is a common procedure for managing cardiac arrhythmias.
• Antithrombotic therapy is frequently prescribed to patients, necessitating careful consideration during device implantation.
• Understanding complications associated with pacemaker implantation in patients on antithrombotic therapy is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze complications following permanent pacemaker implantation.
• To determine factors associated with these complications, particularly in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy.

Main Methods:

• An analytical observational study was conducted on a prospective cohort of 310 patients.
• Patients underwent permanent pacemaker implantation between January 1 and December 31, 2014.
• A 6-month follow-up was performed to monitor for complications, comparing patients with and without antithrombotic therapy.

Main Results:

• A total of 239 patients (77%) received antithrombotic therapy at the time of implantation.
• Complication rates were 20.8% in patients without anticoagulant therapy (mostly minor) and 30.3% in patients with anticoagulant therapy (with a higher proportion of major complications).
• Major complications were associated with contusion (OR 2; 95% CI 1 to 3.8; p=0.049), while minor complications were linked to arm immobilization >24 hours (p=<0.001) and contusion (p=0.002).

Conclusions:

• Pacemaker implantation in patients on antithrombotic therapy is associated with an increased risk of overall complications.
• Contusions and prolonged arm immobilization (>24 hours) are significant factors contributing to major and minor complications, respectively.
• These findings underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring and management strategies for patients on antithrombotic therapy post-pacemaker implantation.