Current Review of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Use in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Device

Purpose of Review While use of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction is recommended, their role in patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) remains controversial, especially with continuous flow (CF) devices. Recent Findings Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in LVAD patients are frequent and associated with worse outcomes, especially postoperatively. Data on the role of ICDs in LVAD patients are scarce, based on case reports or small retrospective series. While the majority of LVAD patients currently have an ICD, it seems that some might not derive any benefit, with additional risks in terms of inappropriate shocks, psychological distress, and infections. Summary Some CF-LVAD patients are at high risk of VA and hemodynamic collapse; under those circumstances, an ICD might provide benefits. A randomized-controlled trial of routine ICD implantation in CF-LVAD would be needed to clarify their impact on survival in low risk patients.