Open AccessRefractory ventricular tachycardia caused by inflow cannula mechanical injury in a patient with left ventricular assist device: Catheter ablation and pathological findings
Author(s) -
Pedretti Stefano,
Cipriani Manlio,
Bonacina Edgardo,
Vargiu Sara,
Gil Ad Vered,
Frigerio Maria,
Lunati Maurizio
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of arrhythmia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.463
H-Index - 21
eISSN - 1883-2148
pISSN - 1880-4276
DOI - 10.1016/j.joa.2017.04.007
Subject(s) - medicine , endocardium , cannula , cardiology , ablation , ventricular tachycardia , catheter ablation , ventricular assist device , refractory (planetary science) , heart transplantation , catheter , anesthesia , surgery , heart failure , physics , astrobiology
In patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a minority of post‐operative ventricular tachycardias (VTs) is caused by contact between the inflow cannula and the endocardium. Currently, electrophysiologic characteristics and pathologic features of this condition are lacking. We report on a case of a successfully ablated mechanical VT. After VT recurrence, heart transplantation took place. Pathologic observations were consistent with direct tissue injury and inflammation, eventually contributing to persisting arrhythmias. Radiofrequency catheter ablation can be a safe and effective option to treat arrhythmias caused by inflow cannula interference in the short term, although a high recurrence rate is expected.