The influence of native aortic valve calcium and transcatheter valve oversize on the need for pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve insertion

Objective

Native aortic valve calcium and transcatheter aortic valve oversize have been reported to predict pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve insertion. We reviewed our experience to better understand the association.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 300 patients with no prior permanent pacemaker implantation who underwent transcatheter aortic valve insertion from November 2008 to February 2015. Valve oversize was calculated using area. The end point of the study was 30-day postoperative pacemaker implantation.

Results

Patient data included age of 81.1 ± 8.4 years, female sex in 135 patients (45%), atrial fibrillation in 74 patients (24.7%), Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality of 7.6% (interquartile range [IQR], 5.3-10.6), aortic valve calcium score of 2568 (IQR, 1775-3526) Agatston units, and annulus area of 471 ± 82 mm². Balloon-expandable valves were inserted in 244 patients (81.3%). Transcatheter aortic valve oversize was 12.8% (IQR, 3.9-23.3). Pacemaker implantation was performed in 59 patients (19.7%). Aortic valve calcium score (adjusted P = .275) and transcatheter valve oversize (adjusted P = .833) were not independent risk factors for pacemaker implantation when controlling for preoperative right bundle branch block (adjusted odds ratio, 3.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.61-8.55; P = .002), implantation of self-expanding valve (adjusted odds ratio, 4.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-10.96; P = .005), left bundle branch block (adjusted P = .331), previous percutaneous coronary intervention (adjusted P = .053), or valve surgery (adjusted P = .111), and PR interval (adjusted P = .350).

Conclusions

Right bundle branch block and implantation of a self-expanding prosthesis were predictive of pacemaker implantation, but not native aortic valve score or transcatheter valve oversize.