The RITMO score predicted permanent pacemaker implantation after balloon-expandable TAVI with strong accuracy (AUC 0.839); high-risk patients had 12.3-fold higher odds.
Does the RITMO score predict the need for permanent pacemaker implantation in patients undergoing balloon-expandable TAVI?
The RITMO score, originally developed for self-expanding valves, demonstrates strong discriminatory performance (AUC 0.839) for predicting permanent pacemaker implantation after balloon-expandable TAVI.
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%
ABSTRACT Background Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) remains a common complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). While the RITMO score—incorporating right bundle branch block (RBBB), membranous septum length (MSL), and aortic valve calcium load—was developed for self‐expanding valves, its performance in balloon‐expandable valves (BEVs) is uncertain. Aims To evaluate the incidence and predictors of PPMI following balloon‐expandable TAVI and to assess the applicability of the RITMO score in this valve platform. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed 310 patients who underwent TAVI with balloon‐expandable Edwards Sapien valves. Baseline clinical, electrocardiographic, and MSCT data were collected, and the RITMO score was calculated for all. Independent predictors were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Results PPMI occurred in 34 patients (10.9%). Compared with the non‐PPMI group, those requiring PPMI had significantly higher rates of baseline RBBB ( p 1) had a 12.3‐fold higher likelihood of requiring PPMI compared with the low‐risk group (OR: 12.3, 95% CI: 5.6–27.3). The RITMO score demonstrated strong discriminatory performance (AUC: 0.839, 95% CI: 0.769–0.909, p < 0.001). Conclusions The RITMO score is a valid and effective tool for predicting PPMI after BEV‐TAVI. Its simplicity and applicability support its use in procedural planning and early risk stratification, independent of valve type.
Süygün et al. (Mon,) reported a other. The RITMO score predicted permanent pacemaker implantation after balloon-expandable TAVI with strong accuracy (AUC 0.839); high-risk patients had 12.3-fold higher odds.