Management of Arrhythmias and Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Abstract

For patients with end-stage heart failure, the use of mechanical circulatory support has increased in the last decade due to improved outcomes with durable left ventricular assist devices. The management of these complex patients requires coordinated care by a multidisciplinary team including cardiac electrophysiologists because atrial and ventricular arrhythmias are prevalent in this population. There have been an increasing number of studies that attempt to address issues regarding arrhythmia management in patients with left ventricular assist devices. The purpose of this review is to provide electrophysiologists with an evidence-based approach to manage a broad spectrum of arrhythmia issues in these patients.

Keywords: atrial arrhythmia; cardiac implantable electronic device; catheter ablation; congestive heart failure; left ventricular assist device; ventricular arrhythmia.