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Published on: June 3, 2018
Conduction disturbances after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Annette Maznyczka1, Thomas Pilgrim2, François Philippon3
1The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet, Inge Lehmanns Vej 7, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Insights
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can cause conduction disturbances, often requiring pacemakers. Minimizing these risks is vital as TAVI use expands to younger, healthier patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Conduction disturbances and permanent pacemaker implantation are common TAVI complications.
- Predictors include pre-existing right bundle branch block, short septum, deep implantation, and valve type.
- New pacemaker implantation and left bundle branch block increase mortality and heart failure hospitalizations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the incidence, pathophysiology, and consequences of TAVI-related conduction disturbances.
- To discuss current and emerging preventive strategies.
- To provide an evidence-based management framework for TAVI-related conduction issues.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on TAVI complications.
- Analysis of predictors for conduction disturbances.
- Discussion of ongoing clinical trials and novel techniques.
Main Results:
- TAVI is associated with significant risks of conduction abnormalities and pacemaker needs.
- Specific patient and procedural factors predict these complications.
- New conduction disturbances post-TAVI are linked to adverse outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Minimizing conduction disturbances is crucial for expanding TAVI to lower-risk populations.
- Refined implantation techniques and new treatments are under investigation.
- Evidence-based management and risk stratification are essential for optimal TAVI outcomes.
Abstract:
Conduction disturbances and permanent pacemaker implantation remain the most common complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The strongest predictors of conduction abnormalities and subsequent permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation include pre-existing right bundle branch block, a short membranous interventricular septum, deep transcatheter heart valve implantation, and valve type. Importantly, both new permanent pacemaker implantation and new left bundle branch block after transcatheter aortic valve implantation are associated with increased mortality and heart failure hospitalizations. As transcatheter aortic valve indications expand to lower risk and younger populations, with longer life expectancy, strategies to minimize the risk of conduction disturbances and optimize their detection and management become increasingly crucial. Refined transcatheter heart valve implantation techniques may be associated with a reduction in rhythm disturbances after transcatheter aortic valve implantation and anti-inflammatory treatments are under investigation. Ongoing trials are investigating the impact of beta-blocker withdrawal to prevent conduction abnormalities, electrophysiology studies for risk stratification, and conduction system pacing to prevent adverse cardiac remodelling. This review aims to provide an overview of the incidence, pathophysiology, and consequences of conduction disturbances after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, discuss preventive strategies, highlight the relevant ongoing studies, and provide an evidence-based framework for the management of this important clinical issue.
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