Lessons learned from catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with a fully magnetically levitated left ventricular assist device

Abstract

Introduction: Data on catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) are scarce in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and current evidence predominantly consists of case reports with outdated LVAD. This prospective observational study reports our experience in terms of catheter ablation of VAs in patients with novel 3rd generation LVADs. Methods and results: Between 2018 and 2020, nine consecutive patients undergoing a total number of ten ablation procedures for VAs were analyzed. The mean duration between LVAD implantation and catheter ablation was 23 ± 16 months. Acute procedural success was achieved in all patients. VA substrates were not related to the LVAD scarring (cannula) site in the majority of patients. All procedures were conducted without any relevant procedure-related complications. In terms of follow-up, only one patient presented with a repeat episode of electrical storm requiring ICD-shocks 16 months after the initial ablation procedure. Four patients suffered of singular VA effectively treated with antitachycardia pacing via their ICD. The remainder were free of any VA relapse (n = 4). Two non-procedure-related deaths occurred during follow-up. Conclusions: Catheter ablation of VAs in patients with 3rd generation LVAD is feasible and leads to satisfying clinical results in terms of freedom from VA recurrence and quality of life. The majority of arrhythmia substrates in these patients are not directly related to the LVAD cannulation site and may represent a progress of heart failure. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]