Arrhythmia Management in Pediatric Patients with Ventricular Assist Devices

Abstract

Ventricular assist device therapy has emerged as an important approach in the management of advanced heart failure. Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias are commonly encountered in patients with heart failure. Patients requiring ventricular assist devices are at an increased risk of arrhythmia, which may cause symptoms and significant complications. There is recent focus on the prevalence and impact of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with durable ventricular assist devices. Ventricular arrhythmias in particular have been associated with significant symptoms and worse clinical outcomes. The goal of this chapter is to outline approaches to arrhythmia management in pediatric patients with ventricular assist devices.