Overcoming Electromagnetic Interference by LVADs on ICD Function by Shielding the ICD Programmer Wand and Extension Cable

Patients with end-stage cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure are increasingly undergoing implantation with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). In addition, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)therapy has been proven to be an important part of the treatment for cardiomyopathy/ congestive heart failure. Previous reports have noted a potential and dramatic electromagnetic interference from LVADs on ICDs that cause impaired telemetry communication between the ICD and ICD programmer. Such interference has necessitated explantation and generator replacement in order to resume communication between the ICD and programmer. We report two patients with advanced congestive heart failure and ICD programming impairment caused by a HeartMate II LVAD (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA, USA) that was overcome by placing aluminum shielding around the ICD programmer wand and steel shielding around the extension cable during ICD interrogation. ( PACE 2009; 32: 945-948)