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__Aims__ To correlate dynamics in electrical conduction after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with need for permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM) and assess implications for early discharge. __Methods and results__ Daily electrocardiograms after TAVI were analysed for rhythm and conduction times and were correlated with PPM. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation was performed in 291 consecutive patients with three contemporary transcatheter heart valve designs: Medtronic CoreValve (n = 111), Edwards Sapien XT (n = 29) and Sapien 3 (n = 72), and Boston Lotus (n = 79). We considered two cohorts: (A) Patients with normal baseline conduction; and (B) patients with pre-existent conduction disturbances. Based on QRS dynamics, three patterns were discerned: stable normal QRS duration, transient QRS prolongation, and persistent QRS prolongation. In Cohort B, QRS dynamics did not correlate with PPM. In contrast, in Cohort A, QRS dynamics and PPM appeared highly correlated. Neither patients with stable normal QRS duration (0/47), nor patients with transient QRS prolongation required PPM (0/26). All PPMs occurred in patients with persistent QRS prolongation until discharge (27/85). Persistent QRS prolongation was typically seen with Lotus and CoreValve, whereas stable normal QRS duration was typically seen with Sapien XT and Sapien 3. __Conclusion__ Three distinct patterns of QRS dynamics can be discerned after TAVI and their predictive probabilities for PPM strongly relate to the baseline conduction status. Patients with normal conduction at baseline and stable QRS duration after TAVI are potentially eligible for early discharge.

A 73-year old man presented with acute cardiac decompensation due to severe degenerative mitral regurgitation ([Figures 1A and 1B][1]). The patient previously underwent surgical aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve. The patient was declared inoperable by heart team consensus based on

Background Right bundle branch block is an established predictor for new conduction disturbances and need for a permanent pacemaker ( PPM ) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The aim of the study was to evaluate the absolute rates of transcatheter aortic valve replacement related PPM implantations in patients with pre‐existent right bundle branch block and categorize for different transcatheter heart valves. Methods and Results We pooled data on 306 transcatheter aortic valve replacement patients from 4 high‐volume centers in Europe and selected those with right bundle branch block at baseline without a previously implanted PPM . Logistic regression was used to evaluate whether PPM rate differed among transcatheter heart valves after adjustment for confounders. Mean age was 83±7 years and 63% were male. Median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 6.3 (interquartile range, 4.1–10.2). The following transcatheter valve designs were used: Medtronic CoreValve (n=130; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN); Edwards Sapien XT ( ES ‐ XT ; n=124) and Edwards Sapien 3 ( ES ‐3; n=32; Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA); and Boston Scientific Lotus (n=20; Boston Scientific Corporation, Marlborough, MA). Overall permanent pacemaker implantation rate post‐transcatheter aortic valve replacement was 41%, and per valve design: 75% with Lotus, 46% with CoreValve, 32% with ES ‐ XT , and 34% with ES ‐3. The indication for PPM implantation was total atrioventricular block in 98% of the cases. Lotus was associated with a higher PPM rate than all other valves. PPM rate did not differ between ES ‐ XT and ES ‐3. Ventricular paced rhythm at 30‐day and 1‐year follow‐up was present in 81% at 89%, respectively. Conclusions Right bundle branch block at baseline is associated with a high incidence of PPM implantation for all transcatheter heart valves. PPM rate was highest for Lotus and lowest for ES ‐ XT and ES ‐3. Pacemaker dependency remained high during follow‐up.