Does Left Bundle Branch Block Affect Mortality after Rapid Deployment AVR?

Objectives: Postoperative left bundle branch block (LBBB) and permanent pacemaker (PPM) frequently occur after implantation of rapid deployment valves.

We analyzed the occurrence of LBBB and the impact on postoperative outcomes

Methods: A total of 620 patients who underwent rapid deployment AVR between March 2012 and September 2019 were included in this study. New onset LBBB was defined as any new LBBB that persisted at hospital discharge.

The median follow-up time was 1.7 years. New-onset LBBB occurred in 109 patients (17.5%).

Result: New-onset LBBB occurred in 109 patients (17.5%).

At follow-up, no difference was found between LBBB groups and non-LBBB groups concerning all-cause mortality (12.2 vs. 11.7%, p = 0.54).

New-onset LBBB was associated with significant higher rates of pacemaker implantation at follow-up (10.3 vs. 6.3%, p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Rapid deployment AVR is associated with a considerable rate of new-onset LBBB. Nevertheless, new onset LBBB was not associated with higher mortality. A higher pacemaker implantation rate can be observed in patients with new onset LBBB.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
19 February 2021