Characteristics of and current practice patterns of pacing for high‐degree atrioventricular block after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in comparison to surgical aortic valve replacement

Objective We aimed to investigate the current practice patterns of permanent pacing, especially the timing of implantation, for high‐degree AV block (HDAVB) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Background Comparative data regarding current practice patterns of permanent pacing for HDAVB between TAVI and SAVR is limited. Methods Using the National Inpatient Sample database, we identified patients who underwent TAVI or SAVR between 2012 and 2014. The incidence of HDAVB, the rate of permanent pacemaker implantation, and the timing of implantations were compared between TAVI and SAVR groups. Results We identified 33 690 and 202 110 patients who underwent TAVI and SAVR, respectively. HDAVB occurred in 3480 patients (10.3%) in the TAVI group and 11 405 patients (5.6%) in the SAVR group (P