Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients with Left Ventricular
Assist Device.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study examined the mechanisms of ventricular
tachycardia (VT) and the outcomes of VT ablation in patients using a
left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a temporary treatment for the
cardiac transplant. BACKGROUND: An increasingly common complication of
continuous-flow LVADs is VT, which is common with end-stage heart
failure. METHODS: This study is an analysis of prospective and
retrospective data on cardiac transplant candidates undergoing LVAD
surgery at Hermann Hospital over five years, 2016- 2023. An electronic
review of medical records was performed, including testing, images, and
past medical history. The authors confirm that they have adhered to the
journal’s ethical guidelines, as specified on the journal’s author
guidelines page, and have obtained the necessary approvals from the
appropriate ethical review committee. RESULTS: A total of 10 VT
accidents were reported among 7 VAD cases. 42 % (3) of the patients had
VT within 30 days of VAD implantation, 14 % (1) BBRVT, and 28 % (2) VT
from inflow cannula, while 57 % (4) had more than one ablation and 57
% (4) survived one year. LVAD intervention improved the quality of life
and survival in over 50% of patients (4/7). CONCLUSIONS: This
single-center study of VT ablation in destination LVADs showed that
freedom from recurrent VT and implantable defibrillator shocks were
associated with improved 1-year survival. Most VTs were monomorphic,
cannula adjacent (2/10), and one bundle branch recurrent VT out of ten.
Mortality and thrombosis remain a problem for this challenging
population.