Permanent pacing in patients with tricuspid valve replacements.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the incidence and complications of permanent pacing in patients who undergo tricuspid valve replacement.

DESIGN

A retrospective study of records of patients who had a tricuspid valve replacement between 1978 and 1993 at the Middlesex hospital.

RESULTS

45 patients with tricuspid valve replacements were followed up for a total of 104 patient years. Ten patients (22%) required permanent pacing, five with epicardial leads and five with endocardial. Endocardial leads had significantly lower initial implantation thresholds and were associated with fewer complications.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing tricuspid valve replacement frequently require permanent pacing. Endocardial or epicardial lead insertion should be considered at the time of tricuspid valve replacement.