Predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation following transcatheter aortic valve replacement-the search is still on!

Core Tip

Core Tip: Several anatomical, demographic, clinical, electrocardiographic, procedural, and valve-related variables predict the probability of developing conduction abnormalities after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) that necessitate permanent pacemaker placement. The current study reinforces the existing literature by demonstrating that type 2 diabetes mellitus and baseline right bundle branch block are significant predictors of pacemaker implantation post-TAVR. The study investigators also revealed a novel linear relationship between the post-TAVR incidence of pacemaker implantation with every 20 ms increase in baseline QRS duration. Interestingly, pacemaker implantation following TAVR was predictive of future cardiovascular events at 1 year.