Transvenous pacemaker leads do not worsen tricuspid regurgitation: A prospective echocardiographic study

Limited prospective data are available regarding the influence of pacemaker leads on tricuspid valve function. To examine the true incidence of these complications, 35 patients were prospectively examined by two-dimensional a nd Doppler echocardiography before and after implantation of either a perma nent pacemaker or an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Of t he 35 patients imaged preoperatively, the amount of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was judged as normal or trivial in 15 (43%), mild in 10 (29%), modera te in 8 (23%), and severe in 2 (6%), Following electrode implantation, TR w as noted to be normal or trivial in 13 (38%), mild in 15 (48%), moderate in 6 (17%) and severe in 1 (3%). We conclude that implantation of permanent r ight ventricular electrodes is not usually associated with an acute worseni ng of tricuspid regurgitation in most patients. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karge r AG, Basel.