CONGRESS ABSTRACT

Objectives: To evaluate the occurrence of new conduction disorders and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the INTUITY rapid deployment bioprosthesis (RDB) and compare these outcomes before and after adjustment of the surgical technique. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included data from patients who underwent AVR between March 2020 and June 2023 with the INTUITY RDB, at the Cardiosurgery Unit of "San Carlo" Hospital in Potenza . The study population was divided into two groups according to the time point (September 2021) of the implementation of a modified RDB surgical technique consisting of an aortic annulus decalcification to reduce the incidence of PPI. Results: Overall, data from 88 patients were evaluated. Patients in Group 1 (n=66) were treated before and patients in Group 2 (n=22) after September 2021Z. Groups were comparable with respect to baseline and procedural characteristics. A significant increase in QRS duration was observed post-procedure among all patients. New onset conduction disturbances were seen in 15 patients (28.8%) in Group 1 and 9 patients (47.3%) in Group 2,p: 0.01. Persistent disturbances at discharge were registered for 18 patients (34.6%) in Group 1 and 10 (52.6%) in Group 2, p:0.04. In Group 1 three patients with preexisting conduction disturbance received a PPI compared to none in Group 2. There were no statistically significant differences in new-onset/worsening of conduction disorders, both permanent and transient, between the two groups. Conclusions: The new technique of aortic annulus decalcification during INTUITY RDB implantation appears to be safe and effective and was associated with low rates of new conduction disorders and new PPI.