Concomitant surgical cryoablation for refractory ventricular tachycardia and left ventricular assist device placement: a dual remedy but a recipe for thrombosis?. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McIlvennan, Colleen; Babu, Ashok; Brieke, Andreas; Ambardekar, Amrut
• Is Part Of: Journal of cardiothoracic surgery. Volume 11:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 3
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Heart-assist device -- Heart failure -- Ventricular tachycardia -- Ablation; Chest -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Heart -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.54005
• DOI: 10.1186/s13019-016-0451-x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1749-8090

Abstract

Abstract Background Ventricular tachycardia (VT) can persist following placement of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The optimal management strategy for VT during the peri-LVAD period is unknown. Case Presentations Two case reports are presented that describe epicardial and endocardial VT ablation performed during LVAD placement. Subsequently, both patients developed LVAD thrombosis, a known and dreaded complication of LVADs, requiring re-operation. Conclusions While LVAD thrombosis is likely multifactorial and remains an area of active research, these two cases should increase awareness of the possible risks of VT ablation—especially endocardial ablation—during LVAD placement. Further research is needed to understand the effects of VT ablation during the peri-LVAD period.