Different dynamics of new-onset electrocardiographic changes after balloon- and self-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Implications for prolonged heart rhythm monitoring

Abstract Background New onset electrocardiographic (ECG) changes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are used to assess the risk for late atrioventricular block. However, the time of ECG evaluation remains controversial. We aimed to compare the time course and dynamics of new onset ECG changes according to valve design in balloon- (BEV) and self-expandable (SEV) TAVR. Methods and results This single center study enrolled 133 consecutive TAVR patients (28.6% SEV, 71.4% BEV). Patients with pre-existent permanent pacemaker implant (PPMI), procedural death or incomplete ECG registration were excluded. Standard 12‑lead ECG was performed before the procedure, at 1, 24, 48 and 120 h and 1 month. In BEV patients, no significant PR prolongation occurred, whereas in SEV patients the PR interval prolonged significantly with 33.7 ± 22.0 ms (p  24 h after TAVR) was higher in SEV compared to BEV patients (15.3% versus 1.5%, p = 0.008). Conclusion Self-expandable valves cause more impairment in atrioventricular conduction with a delayed time course compared to balloon expandable valves. This might explain the higher pacemaker need beyond 24 h after TAVR. Our findings suggest that patients with self-expandable valves require at least 48 h ECG monitoring post TAVR.