Conduction disturbances associated with transcatheter aortic-valve replacement (TAVR) require careful management, beginning with a risk evaluation before the procedure, according to an international expert consensus statement.

The scientific expert panel assembled by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has produced a consensus document, along with proposed algorithms, as an initial attempt to guide the management of conduction disturbances after TAVR based on the best available data.

Currently there is a “high degree of uncertainty” regarding the most appropriate treatment of patients with conduction disturbances – the most common complication of TAVR, the authors write.

There are also “major differences” in pacemaker rates post-procedure across centres and research studies.