Incidence and predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation following treatment with the repositionable Lotus™ transcatheter aortic valve

Objectives: To determine the incidence and predictors of permanent pacemaker (PPM) requirement following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the mechanically expanded Lotus^TM Valve System (Boston Scientific). Background: Pacemaker implantation is the most common complication following TAVR. Predictors of pacing following TAVR with the Lotus valve have not been systematically assessed. Methods: Consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent Lotus valve implantation were prospectively recruited at a single-centre. Patients with a pre-existing PPM were excluded. Baseline ECG, echocardiographic and multiple detector computed tomography as well as procedural telemetry and depth of implantation were independently analyzed in a blinded manner. The primary endpoint was 30-day incidence of pacemaker requirement (PPM implantation or death while pacing-dependent). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of the primary endpoint. Results: A total of 104 consecutive patients underwent TAVR with the Lotus valve with 9/104 (9%) with a pre-existing PPM excluded. New or worsened procedural LBBB occurred in 78%. Thirty-day incidence of the primary pacing endpoint was 28%. The most common indication for PPM implantation was complete heart block (CHB) (69%). Independent predictors of the primary endpoint included pre-existing RBBB (hazard ratio [HR] 2.8, 95% CI 1.1–7.0; P = 0.032) and depth of implantation below the noncoronary cusp (NCC) (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.0–5.7; P = 0.045). Conclusions: Almost a third of Lotus valve recipients require pacemaker implantation within 30 days. The presence of pre-existing RBBB and the depth of prosthesis implantation below the NCC were significant pacing predictors.