Fontan-Like Hemodynamics Complicated With Ventricular Fibrillation During Left Ventricular Assist Device Support

Abstract

We experienced a patient who had received an implantable continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) (HeartMate II, Thoratec Corp, Pleasanton, CA, USA) and was admitted to our hospital because of repeated ventricular tachyarrhythmias refractory to electrical defibrillation as well as intensive pharmacological therapy. We decided to discontinue defibrillating, but under ventricular fibrillation his hemodynamics were maintained without end-organ dysfunction during LVAD support (mean right atrial pressure 18 mmHg; pulmonary vascular resistance 1.6 WU; pulmonary capillary wedge pressure 11 mmHg; cardiac index 2.04 L/minute/m²) due to optimization of the rotation speed (from 8800 to 9200 rpm). Such “Fontan-like circulation” could be accomplished by adequate volume control, lowering pulmonary vascular resistance, and potent LV blood removal by optimal rotation speed of the LVAD, although the precise conditions to maintain the Fontan-like circulation during LVAD therapy remained uncertain. Considering the severe donor heart shortage and high degree of difficulty of the catheter ablation procedure to manage ventricular tachyarrhythmias, constructing a Fontan-like circulation in the presence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias may be one unique strategy. Longterm prognosis in patients with sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias during LVAD support would be a future concern.