Clinical characteristics, incidence, and outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation stratified by new‐onset left bundle branch block: a single‐center pilot study

Clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) patients have not been reported in the Gulf region. Objectives: To define the baseline electrocardiographic (ECG), echocardiographic, and computed tomographic findings of patients undergoing TAVI and analyze the predictors of developing new‐onset persistent left bundle branch block (LBBB). Methods: Patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI between 2013 and 2021 at the Sabah Al‐Ahmed Cardiac Centre in Al‐Amiri Hospital in the state of Kuwait were included in this study. Baseline characteristics, electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, and preprocedural computed tomography data were extracted. The primary outcome was new‐onset LBBB. Results: A total of 61 patients were included (65.6% females; mean age: 73.5 ± 9 years; baseline ejection fraction: 55.5% ± 9.7%). Of these, 18 developed new‐onset LBBB. Those who developed LBBB tended to have lower ejection fraction (52.5 ± 9.6 vs. 56.8% ± 9.5%; P = 0.116). Those who developed LBBB were more likely to develop 1st degree atrioventricular block post‐TAVI (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The incidence of new‐onset LBBB post‐TAVI was 29.5%. The new‐onset LBBB group was more likely to develop conduction abnormalities requiring permanent pacemaker implantation.