“Azygous Vein Coil Implantation in Left Ventricular Assist Device
Patients: Hands-on Approach”
Abstract
Background: Recently there have been reports of LVAD patients presenting
with multiple ineffective ICD shocks. In such patients, azygous vein
coil placement by providing an alternative anterior-posterior trajectory
of the electrical shock vector can enable successful defibrillation.
Objective: This review provides a hands-on approach to azygous vein coil
implantation. Additionally, we compare our tools and technique to those
that have been previously described by other operators. Methods: From
2018 to 2021, 8 patients were identified who underwent azygous vein coil
implantation at MedStar Washington hospital center using specific tools
and technique. Demographic and procedural data were obtained by
retrospective review of patient charts, procedure logs, fluoroscopy, and
venography performed during device implantation. Results: The indication
for azygous vein coil implantation was ineffective ICD shocks in 7
patients. The presenting rhythm was VF in 6/8 (75%) cases and sustained
VT in 2/8 (25%) cases. Using the approach described, we were able to
successfully implant an azygous vein coil in all 8 (100%) patients.
There were no procedure-related complications. Post implantation,
defibrillation testing (DFT) was successfully performed in 6/8 (75%)
patients. One patient failed DFT testing despite the placement of an
azygous vein coil. In another patient, DFT testing was not performed
because the patient was in atrial fibrillation and was not systemically
anticoagulated. Conclusion: Placement of an azygous vein coil in LVAD
patients with failed ICD shocks using the tools and technique described
in this review is safe and highly efficacious (successful in 100%
cases).