Impact of cusp-overlap view for TAVR with self-expandable valves on 30-day conduction disturbances

Abstract Background and aim Conduction disturbances leading to permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) remains a common complication for TAVR procedures, particularly when self-expanding valves are used. We compared the 30-day incidence of new onset Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB) and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) rate between two consecutive groups using either conventional 3-cusp coplanar view (CON) and right/left cusp-overlap view (COVL) for implantation. Methods and results We retrospectively compared 257 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR with self-expandable valves using either CON (n=101) or COVL (n=156) in four intermediate/low volume centers. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. The 30-day incidence of new onset LBBB (12.9% vs 5.8%; p=0.05) and PPMI rate (17.8% vs 6.4%; p=0.004) were significantly lower when using the COVL implantation view. There was no difference between the CON and COVL groups in 30-day incidence of death (4.9% vs. 2.6%), any stroke (0% vs. 0.6%) and the need for surgical aortic valve replacement (0% for both groups). Conclusion Using the COVL view for implantation we achieved a significant reduction of the LBBB and PPMI rate after TAVR in comparison with the traditional CON view, without compromising the TAVR outcomes when using self-expandable prostheses. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.