Outcomes following pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with CoreValve® devices: Results from the FRANCE 2 Registry

AimsPermanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation following high-degree atrioventricular block is frequently required after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using CoreValve((R)). Recent improvement of the delivery system (CoreValve Accutrak((R))) aimed to ease delivery and reduce the PPM rate. Our study evaluated the incidences of PPM implantation following use of CoreValve((R)) or CoreValve Accutrak((R))and the clinical outcome of these patients. Methods and resultsA total of 883 patients (827 years; 41.3% female) with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and self-expanding bioprosthesis implantation were included between January 2010 and October 2011 in 29 centers from the FRANCE 2 Registry. Follow-up data were available in 833 patients. CoreValve((R)) and CoreValve Accutrak((R)) were used in 343 (41.2%) and 490 (58.8%) patients, respectively. During a mean follow-up of 242 +/- 179 days, all-cause mortality was similar in patients with versus without PPM implantation (16.3 vs. 16.9%, P=0.832).There was no significant difference in the PPM incidence in CoreValve((R)) and CoreValve Accutrak((R))patients (30.4% vs. 27.5%, P=0.846). ConclusionPPM implantation remained frequent after TAVI using CoreValve Accutrak((R)). All-cause mortality was similar in patients with or without PPM implantation. The new device failed to show a significant decrease in PPM implantation incidence after TAVI. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.