Khan Z, et al. – This study assessed the safety of intracardiac defibrillator (ICD) implant in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). As per findings, with low bleeding risk and no reported marked increases in length of stay, ICD implantation seemed to provide safety in patients with CF–LVADS.

Methods

• This study is a retrospective single center study of patients supported with a CF-LVAD who underwent ICD implantation (Group1 = 20) and compared to 100 LVAD patients (Group2: controls with ICDs).
• Researchers assessed baseline characteristics, post procedural bleeding complications, length of stay, in hospital and 30 day mortality and length of stay.

Results

• They found that group 1 patients were more likely to be younger (42.7 ± 12 vs. 52.29 ± 14, P = .006) and less likely to have HTN or diabetes.
• Findings showed that mean INR at time of ICD implant was 2.35 ± 0.46.
• Data demonstrated that among patients who underwent ICD implant, 63 % of ICDs were performed on same admission as LVAD insertion.
• Researchers also noted that major bleeding were very low (9%) and there was no difference in in hospital or 30 day mortality between the 2 groups.
• Similarly, results indicated no significant difference in LOS.