Patients who receive a permanent pacemaker after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) face significantly higher long-term risks of both all-cause and cardiovascular death, according to a new analysis published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.
Researchers analyzed data from over 13,000 patients in the SwissTAVI registry, focusing on individuals who survived 30 days post-TAVR between 2011 and 2022. Of these, 15% required a pacemaker within a month of the procedure. These patients were typically older and more likely to be male.
Key findings:
- Higher 1-year mortality: Adjusted hazard ratios were 1.15 for all-cause and 1.25 for cardiovascular mortality.
- Long-term risks persisted up to 10 years post-TAVR.
- Pacemaker recipients showed increased risk of heart failure symptoms and decline in left ventricular function.
The results highlight an urgent need to reduce pacemaker implantation rates post-TAVR, particularly as the procedure expands to younger, lower-risk populations.
Follow MEDWIRE.AI for insights on cardiovascular interventions.
