Background: Recent data (CTSN trial) showed an increased requirement for permanent pacemaker
(PPM) implantation (>10%) if tricuspid valve (TV) repair is performed concomitantly.
However, external validation of these data is wanting. We analyzed the PPM requirements
following TV procedures (TVP) during the first and 2nd half of the existence of our
department. During the 2nd half, a standard operating procedure (SOP) for addressing
the TV was introduced.
Methods: We analyzed data of all patients who underwent TVP in our center. Peri-operative
follow-up was 100%. The SOP consisted of beating heart strategy (when applicable),
removal and replacement of sutures near the triangle of Koch if signs of rhythm disorder
were detected.
Results: Between 1999 and 2023, 1700 TVPs were performed in the absence of PPM preoperatively.
Before the introduction of the SOP (12 years), 207 TVPs were performed (170 repairs).
After SOP introduction (12.5 years) 1533 TVPs were performed (1406 repairs). Postoperative
PPM requirements (incl. replacements) was 13.5% in the first half and 4.0% in the
second half of the observation period. Among isolated TV repairs, new PPM were required
in 13.3% in the first and 1.6% in the second period. Among mitral valve (MV) patients
with concomitant tricuspid repair, new PPM were required in 17.1% in the first and
2.3% in the second period. The PPM incidence in the second half was not different
from patients receiving MV surgery alone. After tricuspid valve replacement, overall
PPM requirements was 21.6% in the first and 11% in the second half of the observation
period.
|
1999–2010 Patients with TVP
|
PPM
|
%
|
2011–2023 Patients with TVP
|
PPM %
|
Isolated TV
|
TV repl.
|
25
|
6
|
24.0%
|
86
|
9
|
10.5%
|
|
TV repair
|
30
|
4
|
13.3%
|
182
|
3
|
1.6%
|
TV + MV
|
TV repl.
|
7
|
2
|
28.6%
|
23
|
2
|
8.7%
|
|
TV repair
|
76
|
13
|
17.1%
|
657
|
15
|
2.3%
|
TV + other
|
TV repair
|
64
|
3
|
4.7%
|
567
|
30
|
5.3%
|
Total
|
TV repl.
|
37
|
8
|
21.6%
|
127
|
14
|
11.0%
|
|
TV repair
|
170
|
20
|
11.8%
|
1,406
|
48
|
3.4%
|
Total
|
207
|
28
|
13.5%
|
1,533
|
62
|
4.0%
|
Conclusion: TV surgery can be performed with very low rates of PPM. The introduction of an SOP
might reduce the need for PPM. Furthermore, there appears to be a relation to surgical
experience.