Predictors of Post-TAVR Left Bundle Branch Block: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2025 Jul 7. doi: 10.1111/jce.16725. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is the most common conduction abnormality following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes. While multiple predictors of post-TAVR LBBB have been proposed, data remain limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to identify and summarize predictors of new-onset LBBB post-TAVR. A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies that reported predictors of new-onset post-TAVR LBBB. Extracted data included patient factors, electrocardiographic (ECG) and anatomic parameters, and device-related factors. A random-effects model was used to calculate crude risk ratios (RRs), mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the predictors. Of 450 articles screened, 17 studies comprising a total of 6357 patients were included. Among these, 26.4% developed post-TAVR LBBB. Increased risk was associated with diabetes mellitus (RR: 1.22, p < 0.001), use of 29-mm valve (RR: 1.59, p < 0.001), and use of Medtronic CoreValve (MCV) (RR: 2.25, p = 0.008). Significant differences were found between patients with and without LBBB in interventricular septal thickness (IVS; by -0.66 mm), membranous septal length (MSL; by -0.9 mm), left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter (by -0.48 mm), PR interval (by +13.95 ms), and prosthesis implantation depth (by +2.6 mm). Diabetes Mellitus, use of 29-mm valve or MCV, decreased IVS thickness, shorter MSL, smaller LVOT diameter, increased prosthesis implantation depth, and prolonged PR duration were all associated with an elevated risk of post-TAVR LBBB. Early identification of these predictors may help reduce the risk of conduction abnormalities after TAVR.

Keywords: TAVR; meta‐analysis; new‐onset LBBB; predictors; systematic review; transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Publication types

  • Review