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Updated: Nov 2, 2025
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Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
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Asymptomatic ventricular fibrillation in continuous flow left-ventricular assist device
1University of Virginia Health System, Department of Emergency Medicine, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA 22901, United States.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|June 8, 2021
Summary
Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients can experience asymptomatic ventricular fibrillation. This case highlights the importance of monitoring for serious arrhythmias in this growing population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) improve survival in advanced heart failure.
- LVAD recipients represent a growing population with unique complications.
- Emergency Department (ED) visits are common for LVAD patients due to device-related issues.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old female with an LVAD presented to the ED with a low flow alarm.
- Upon arrival, she was found to be in ventricular fibrillation.
- The patient was asymptomatic despite the life-threatening arrhythmia.
Findings:
- Successful defibrillation restored normal sinus rhythm.
- Treatment included amiodarone and placement of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).
- Continuous flow LVADs can be associated with potentially asymptomatic ventricular arrhythmias.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe, asymptomatic ventricular fibrillation in LVAD patients.
- Close monitoring and proactive management of arrhythmias are crucial in this population.
- Further research into arrhythmia detection and management in LVAD recipients is warranted.
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