Lead-induced tricuspid regurgitation is a frequent complication after pacemaker- and ICD-implantation that is associated with increased mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure. Transesophageal echocardiography has shown to be a safe and feasible way to guide right ventricular lead placement and was associated with less worsening of tricuspid regurgitation than standard lead implantation in a small study with a retrospective control group. This is the first randomized controlled trial comparing transesophageal echocardiography + fluoroscopy guided lead implantation vs. standard lead implantation guided by fluoroscopy only. Patients are randomized 1:1 in the two groups and followed up for up to 3 years. Echocardiographic grading of the primary endpoint will be performed by a blinded echocardiographer according to current guidelines.
This is the first randomized controlled trial comparing transesophageal echocardiography + fluoroscopy guided lead implantation vs. standard lead implantation guided by fluoroscopy only. Patients are randomized 1:1 in the two groups and followed up for up to 3 years.