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Iatrogenic Atrioventricular Block

Christopher C Cheung1, Shumpei Mori2, Edward P Gerstenfeld1

  • 1Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, University of California San Francisco, MU-East 4th Floor, 500 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.

Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics
|October 25, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Iatrogenic atrioventricular (AV) block, often resulting from cardiac procedures, can necessitate pacemakers. This review covers causes, predictors, and management of AV block from cardiac surgery and electrophysiology interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Procedures

Background:

  • Iatrogenic atrioventricular (AV) block is a complication of cardiac procedures.
  • Patients undergoing aortic/mitral valve surgery or transcatheter aortic valve replacement face high risks.
  • Electrophysiology procedures like catheter ablation also pose risks to the AV conduction system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the causes of iatrogenic AV block.
  • To identify predictors for developing AV block.
  • To outline general management strategies for iatrogenic AV block.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on iatrogenic AV block.
  • Analysis of risk factors associated with cardiac surgery and electrophysiology procedures.
  • Synthesis of current management guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Cardiac surgery, particularly valve procedures, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement are significant causes of iatrogenic AV block.
  • Electrophysiology procedures carry a risk of AV conduction system injury.
  • Predictors and management strategies are discussed.

Conclusions:

  • Iatrogenic AV block is a recognized complication requiring awareness.
  • Risk stratification and appropriate management are crucial for patient outcomes.
  • Further research may refine prevention and treatment strategies.

Keywords:
Atrioventricular blockCardiac surgeryCatheter ablationComplete heart blockIatrogenicTranscatheter valve

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