Robert Stassen

Dr. Robert Stassen

Maastricht University Medical Center+

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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11 May 2021 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
TPThomas Poels
Thomas Poels
RSRobert Stassen
Robert Stassen
SKSuzanne Kats
Suzanne Kats
LVLeo Veenstra
Leo Veenstra
VOVincent van Ommen
Vincent van Ommen
FPF.W. W. Prinzen
F.W. W. Prinzen
Background and objectives: Persistent left bundle branch block (P-LBBB) has been associated with poor clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures. We hypothesized that the distance from the aortic valve to the proximal conduction system, expressed as the effective distance between the aortic valve and conduction system (EDACS), can predict the occurrence of P-LBBB in patients undergoing a TAVI procedure. Materials and methods: In a retrospective study, data from 269 patients were analyzed. EDACS was determined using two longitudinal CT sections. Results: Sixty-four of the patients developed P-LBBB. EDACS ranged between −3 and +18 mm. EDACS was significantly smaller in P-LBBB than in non-P-LBBB patients (4.6 (2.2–7.1) vs. 8.0 (5.8–10.2) mm, median values (interquartile range); p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.78 for predicting P-LBBB based on EDACS. In patients with EDACS of ≤3 mm and >10 mm, the chance of developing P-LBBB was ≥50% and 25. As EDACS can be measured pre-procedurally, it may be a valuable additional factor to weigh the risks of transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement.