Management of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in patients with a left ventricular assist device

Abstract

In patients with end stage heart failure, ventricular assist devices (VAD) are becoming a viable therapeutic option in select patients. Prior to VAD implantation, these patients often satisfy criteria for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy. However the role of the ICD in patients with a VAD is unclear with limited studies addressing this question. The goal of this chapter is to discuss the issues surrounding ICD indications and ICD programming considerations in LVAD patients.