Delayed removal of a percutaneous left ventricular assist device for patients undergoing catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia is associated with increased 90-day mortality

PURPOSE: Assess if timing of removal of a percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pLVAD) after ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation alters patient outcomes.

METHODS: Sixty-nine patients underwent pLVAD support. Patients were divided into early (< 24 h, n = 43) and delayed (≥ 24 h, n = 26) removal groups after ablation. Factors for delayed pLVAD removal and predictors of 90-day mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS: The delayed removal group had lower LVEF (27.1 ± 9.3% vs. 20.6 ± 5.4%, p = 0.002), greater percentage LVEF < 25% (58.1% vs. 84.6%, p = 0.02), and more VT storm (41.9% vs. 96.2%, p < 0.001). Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced in 9/69 (13%), with incidence higher in delayed removal group (27% vs. 5%, p = 0.002). VT storm (OR = 34.72, 95% CI, 4.30-280.33; p = 0.001), LVEF < 25% (OR = 3.95, 95% CI, 1.16-13.48; p = 0.03), and VF induced during ablation (OR = 9.25, 95% CI, 1.71-50.0; p = 0.01) were associated with delayed pLVAD removal in univariate analysis. Delayed pLVAD removal had a significantly higher 90-day mortality rate (2.3% vs 30.2%; p < 0.001). Univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed delayed pLVAD removal was a significant predictor of 90-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged pLVAD insertion (≥ 24 h) after VT ablation was associated with VT storm, LVEF < 25%, and VF induced during ablation. Delayed pLVAD removal was a significant predictor of 90-day mortality in patients undergoing VT ablation.