[MSB-66] Does Balloon Dilatation Increase the Need for A Permanent Pacemaker in Sutureless Aortic Valve Replacement?

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Interventional Cardiology
• Bioprosthetic Devices

Background:

• Sutureless aortic valves offer a less invasive approach to surgical aortic valve replacement.
• Balloon dilatation is sometimes used to optimize the seating and function of these valves.
• The impact of balloon dilatation on pacemaker requirements is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of balloon dilatation in patients receiving sutureless aortic valve bioprostheses.
• To determine the incidence of temporary and permanent pacemaker implantation following this procedure.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of balloon-assisted sutureless aortic valve replacement.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of 38 patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement with sutureless bioprostheses.
• Inclusion of patients who received balloon dilatation at 4 atm for 30 seconds.
• Collection of demographic, echocardiographic, and follow-up data.

Main Results:

• The mean postoperative aortic valve gradient significantly decreased to 11.52±3.36 mmHg.
• Three patients (7.9%) required temporary pacemakers post-surgery.
• Three patients (7.9%) ultimately needed permanent pacemaker implantation due to complete atrioventricular block.

Conclusions:

• Sutureless aortic bioprostheses demonstrate satisfactory clinical results.
• The use of balloon dilatation during the procedure is associated with an increased need for permanent pacemakers.
• Careful patient selection and procedural monitoring are essential when employing balloon dilatation with sutureless valves.