Left ventricular assist device implantation outcomes in patients with subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: A case series

Background: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) may induce electromagnetic interference (EMI) affecting implanted cardiac devices, including more novel subcutaneous implantable cardiac defibrillators (S-ICDs).

Methods: In this case series, the authors retrospectively reviewed courses of 6 patients with S-ICDs who underwent LVAD implantation at a single center.

Results: Of the 6 patients reviewed, 4 experienced inappropriate ICD shocks, of which 3 resulted from EMI. Five of the 6 patients ultimately had S-ICD therapies disabled.

Conclusions: Due to EMI resulting in inappropriate shocks and improved tolerability of malignant arrhythmias, deactivation or removal of S-ICDs should be considered in patients undergoing LVAD implantation.