P476 TOLERATED SUSTAINED VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION IN LVAD RECIPIENT: THE WALKING DEAD

Abstract

Abstract A 73–year–old man comes to the cardiac surgery clinic, due to the onset of an arrhythmic storm. In 1999, the patient was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy with finding of a pathogenic mutation of the MYH7 gene by NGS panel analysis. Because of severely reduced systolic function despite OMT and left conduction delay, he underwent CRT–D implant in class IA. The patient‘s course was characterized by multiple exacerbations and a worsening course of ventricular dysfunction (EF 20%), such as to configure a picture of advanced heart failure, INTERMACS III (frequent flyer). Approximately 6 months later, the patient was admitted with signs of hypoperfusion refractory to inotrope therapy and significant congestion. In consideration of age, frailty and irreversible renal dysfunction, the patient was excluded from the transplant list. Therefore, he was a candidate for mechanical support as destination therapy, through the implantation of the Heart Mate III. At admission, the patient was monitored with evidence of ventricular fibrillation (image 1) and relative hemodynamic stability. The vital parameters reported a BP of 90/76 mmHg, FC not evaluable and SpO2 of 80%. For this reason, in anesthesiological assistance, asynchronous external defibrillation (200 J) was performed with restoration of the pacing rhythm. The monitoring of the LVAD showed a series of alerts: a reduction of the Pump Flow and phases of reduction of the Pulse Index (image 2). Event monitoring of the CRT–D revealed that the patient developed an arrhythmic storm, with appropriate but ineffective several shocks. The 8 shocks were followed by the interruption of the device therapies, but the patient, despite the ventricular fibrillation, had preserved perfusion. Medical therapy was optimized (mexiletine add–on) and CRT–D was rescheduled. Conclusions The presence of LVAD ensures a satisfactory cardiac output during arrhythmias that would lead to hemodynamic compromise. For this reason it is possible to identify patients who autonomously come to our observation in "cardiac arrest".