Electrocardiographic characteristics, antiarrhythmic utilization, and outcomes in patients with left ventricular assist devices

Background Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are an increasingly used therapy for patients with advanced heart failure. Arrhythmias are common complications following LVAD implantation requiring admission, initiation, and escalation of medical therapy. Despite their frequent use in the treatment of arrhythmias, little has been reported regarding electrocardiographic changes, antiarrhythmic utilization, and outcomes post-LVAD. Methods A total of 309 patients who received a LVAD underwent retrospective chart review pre- and post-LVAD. Kaplan-Meier curves were calculated and compared using the log-rank test. Cox regression model was used for univariate analysis and those with a p Results There was a significant reduction in both the QRS interval (p=0.0001) and QTc interval (p=0.0074) following LVAD implantation. Ventricular tachycardia is common following LVAD implant at 31.1%. Amiodarone use was frequent prior to LVAD (52.1%) and on discharge (68.6%). Amiodarone use (p=0.019, HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.6), age at implant (p Conclusion Amiodarone is a commonly used antiarrhythmic in advanced heart failure and its use prior to LVAD implantation may increase the risk of long-term mortality. Amiodarone's efficacy needs to be weighed against its long-term side effects and implant on clinical outcomes