Pacemaker implantation in active COVID-19 patients: experience of a city hospital

Aim. To analyze the experience of a multidisciplinary hospital in the implantation of pacemaker (PM) in patients with COVID-19, to evaluate predictors and the incidence of complications and adverse outcomes.Methods. One-hundred twenty five patients with active COVID-19 underwent PM implantation/replacement during the period from 04/01/2020 to 11/30/2021 at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the City Multidisciplinary Hospital, reprofiling to provide medical care to patients with COVID-19. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus was confirmed by a positive result of the polymerase chain reaction performed the day before the procedure.Results. Median age of patients was 81 [73-86] years. Indications for PM in most cases were atrioventricular block of II-III degrees (n=71, 56.8%), sick sinus syndrome (n=30, 24%). The PM was replaced in 20 (16%) patients. Of the 125 patients in the study survey, the 30-day complication rate was 12%, and the 180-day mortality rate was 16.8%.Conclusion. Patients with active COVID-19 had an increased level of complications and mortality rates after PM implantation/replacement. It is necessary to take these risks into consideration to better select patients with active COVID-19 infection.