Trends in Cardiac Tamponade Among Recipients of Permanent Pacemakers in the United States: From 2008 to 2012

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the trends and predictors of cardiac tamponade among permanent pacemaker (PPM) recipients in the United States between 2008 and 2012. Background Limited data exist regarding the burden, trend, and predictors of tamponade in patients following PPM implantation. Methods The National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample database was used to identify PPM implantations between 2008 and 2012. Results Among 922,549 patients who received PPM devices between 2008 and 2012, cardiac tamponade occurred in 2,595 patients (0.28%). Overall, in-hospital cardiac tamponade rates increased by 35% among recipients of PPMs. The incidence rate steadily increased from 0.26% in 2008 to 0.35% in 2012 (p  Conclusions The burden of cardiac tamponade associated with PPM implantation has steadily increased in the United States. Specific patient factors were identified that could predict the risk for developing tamponade among PPM recipients.