Unique Technique to Relieve Left Ventricular Assist Device
Electromagnetic Interference with an Implantable Cardioverter
Defibrillator
Abstract
We introduced a simple technique to eliminate electromagnetic
interference between a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and an
implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). A 43-year-old male with
heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who had an ICD
presented with decompensated heart failure and received an LVAD as a
bridge to transplant. Remote monitoring showed persistent atrial
fibrillation causing an inappropriate ICD shock leading to a decision to
disable shock therapies. However, an in-office interrogation was
unsuccessful due to electromagnetic interference. Patient was instructed
to extend his arm above his head on the ipsilateral side of the ICD,
thus increasing the distance between LVAD and ICD, eliminating the
interaction to allow reprogramming of the device.