His-Purkinje Conduction System Pacing Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Feasibility and Safety

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and success rates of permanent His-Purkinje conduction system pacing (HPCSP) in patients requiring pacing after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Background: TAVR is associated with increased risk for atrioventricular block. HPCSP has the potential to reduce electromechanical dyssynchrony associated with right ventricular pacing. The feasibility and safety of HPCSP in this population are unknown. Methods: Consecutive patients requiring pacemakers after TAVR in whom His bundle pacing (HBP) and/or left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) was attempted at 5 centers were included in the study. Implant success rates, pacing characteristics, QRS duration, and left ventricular ejection fraction were assessed. Any procedure-related complications, lead revisions, heart failure hospitalizations, and deaths were documented. Results: HPCSP was successful in 55 of 65 (85%) patients studied. HBP was successful in 29 of 46 patients (63%), and LBBAP was successful in 26 of 28 (93%) patients in whom it was attempted. HBP was more successful in patients with Sapien valves than in those with CoreValves (69% vs. 44%; p < 0.05). LBBAP was associated with lower pacing thresholds and higher R-wave amplitudes at implantation compared with HBP (0.64 ± 0.3 at 0.5 ms vs. 1.4 ± 0.8 at 1 ms; p < 0.001; 14 ± 8 mV vs. 5.5 ± 5.6 mV; p < 0.001). Pacing thresholds remained stable and left ventricular ejection fraction remained unchanged during a mean follow-up of 12 ± 13.7 months. Conclusions: HPCSP is feasible in the majority of patients requiring pacemakers post-TAVR. Success rates of HBP were lower in patients with CoreValves compared to Sapien valves. LBBAP was associated with higher success rates and lower pacing thresholds compared with HBP.