Study on Heart Block Risks Using Outcome-Based Modeling (SAVIOR)

July 14, 2025 updated by: Jingfeng Wang, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University

Study on Atrioventricular and Bundle Branch Block Vulnerability Identified by Outcome-based Risk Modeling (the SAVIOR Study)

This study developed a prediction model for high-grade atrioventricular block (AVB) and complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in Chinese patients with aortic stenosis (AS). Analyzing 112 patients from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital (2017-2024), the study incorporated clinical, electrocardiographic, and procedural variables to identify risk factors via logistic regression. A nomogram was constructed and validated internally (bootstrapping) and externally (temporal validation), with performance assessed using AUC, C-index, and calibration tests. The model aims to improve preoperative risk stratification and guide individualized management for TAVR-related conduction disturbances in this understudied population. Analyses were conducted in R 4.2.3 (significance: *p* < 0.05).

Study Overview

Detailed Description

In recent years, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as a minimally invasive surgical approach and has gradually become a standard treatment option for patients with moderate to severe aortic stenosis(AS), particularly those at high surgical risk or deemed ineligible for conventional surgery. TAVR has been widely adopted in clinical practice.

However, post-TAVR cardiac conduction disturbances are among the most frequently observed complications, particularly complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB) and high-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI). These complications are associated with an increased risk of heart failure and cardiac mortality. Identified risk factors include patient-specific characteristics, electrocardiographic features, intraoperative procedural techniques, and the type of device used.

Current research on post-TAVR conduction disorders predominantly focuses on Western populations. However, Chinese AS patients exhibit distinct clinical features-such as higher degrees of valve calcification and a higher prevalence of bicuspid aortic valves-which may lead to differences in risk factors for conduction abnormalities. Moreover, prior studies have largely focused on isolated risk factors rather than developing integrated models to quantify the risk of such complications. Against this backdrop, the purpose of this study is to address the knowledge gap in postoperative risk prediction for Chinese patients. By constructing a risk prediction model tailored to Chinese AS patients for post-TAVR cardiac conduction block, we aim to improve preoperative risk assessment and individualized clinical management, thereby providing actionable guidance for clinical decision-making.

This study included 112 aortic stenosis patients undergoing TAVR at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital (2017-2024), divided into internal (2017-2022) and external (2023-2024) validation cohorts.

Data covered demographics, medical history, ECG, echocardiography, biomarkers, and valve parameters. Outcomes were permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) ≤48h post-TAVR and complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB).

Univariate logistic regression (p<0.20 threshold) and stepwise multivariate analysis (R "MASS" package, AIC-based) identified predictors for nomogram development. Model performance was assessed via AUC, C-index, ROC, and Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Internal validation used 1000 bootstrap resamples; external validation employed temporal validation. Analyses were performed in R 4.2.3 (significance: p<0.05).

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

112

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child
  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

N/A

Sampling Method

Probability Sample

Study Population

This single-center retrospective study enrolled 112 consecutive patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who underwent TAVR at the Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital between January 2017 and December 2024. The cohort was divided into:

Internal validation cohort: Patients treated from 2017 to 2022 (n=68)

External validation cohort: Patients treated from 2023 to 2024 (n=44)

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adult patients (≥18 years old) with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) meeting 2021 ESC/EACTS Guidelines and Chinese Expert Consensus criteria (AVA <1.0 cm², or peak jet velocity ≥4.0 m/s, or mean gradient ≥40 mmHg)
  • Scheduled to undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Pre-existing complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB) on baseline ECG
  • Patients with pre-existing permanent pacemaker implantation
  • Inability to comply with follow-up protocol

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
Permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVR surgery
The population undergoing TAVR for aortic valve stenosis with outcomes of permanent pacemaker implantation and complete left bundle branch block after surgery
Complete left bundle branch block occurred after TAVR surgery
The population undergoing TAVR for aortic valve stenosis with outcomes of permanent pacemaker implantation and complete left bundle branch block after surgery

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Permanent Pacemaker Implantation Rate for High-Grade AVB (≥Mobitz II/3°) Post-TAVR (12-Lead ECG Confirmed)
Time Frame: 7 years
Number of participants requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) due to high-grade atrioventricular block (AVB; ≥2nd degree Mobitz II or 3rd degree) within 48 hours post-TAVR, as clinically indicated and confirmed by 12-lead ECG and cardiology consultation
7 years
Complete left bundle branch block rate post-TAVR (12-lead ECG confirmed)
Time Frame: 7 years
Number of participants developing new complete left bundle branch block , as defined by standard ECG criteria (QRS duration ≥120ms with characteristic morphology), within 48 hours post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
7 years

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

January 1, 2017

Primary Completion (Actual)

January 1, 2025

Study Completion (Actual)

June 26, 2025

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

June 26, 2025

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 14, 2025

First Posted (Actual)

July 15, 2025

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

July 15, 2025

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 14, 2025

Last Verified

June 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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