Arrhythmias common after LVAD implantation; did not increase mortality risk

“Arrhythmias were very common post HeartWare LVAD implant,” Salpy V. Pamboukian, MD, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, concluded during a presentation here. “Most arrhythmias were associated with clinical symptoms, such as hypotension and decreased VAD flows, and the majority were managed medically. Despite some increases in morbidity, arrhythmias were not associated with increased mortality in patients with a HeartWare LVAD.”