Left ventricular inhibition during cardiac resynchronization caused by sensed left-sided ventricular premature complexes

A recently published case documented left ventricular (LV) inhibition of a Boston Scientific device by a premature complex (VPC) that was undetected by the right ventricular channel. We have observed a similar response in two patients with a BIOTRONIK cardiac resynchronization device also designed with LV sensing. A spurious response simulating that of the two true cases was also observed in a third patient with a defective LV lead which created isolated false signals. The responses of the BIOTRONIK devices were identical to that of the previously reported findings with the Boston Scientific device. The observations provide insight into the timing function of cardiac resynchronization devices designed with LV sensing.     

Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Systems

Recent progress and evolution in device engineering, surgical implantation practices, and periprocedural management have advanced the promise of durable support with left ventricular assist systems (LVAS) in patients with stage D heart failure. With greater uptake of LVAS globally, a growing population of LVAS recipients have pre-existing cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Strategies for optimal clinical management of CIEDs in patients with durable LVAS are evolving, and clinicians will increasingly face complex decisions regarding implantation, programming, deactivation, and removal of CIEDs. Traditional decision-making pathways for CIEDs may not apply to LVAS-supported patients, as few patients die of arrhythmic causes and many arrhythmias may be well tolerated. Given limited data, treatment decisions must be individualized and made collaboratively among electrophysiologists, advanced heart failure specialists, and patients and their caregivers. Large, prospective, well-conducted studies are needed to better understand the contemporary utility of CIEDs in patients with newer-generation LVAS.