Electromagnetic interference complicating Impella® use during pediatric ablation

Abstract

In children, the Impella® is most commonly used in the setting of cardiogenic shock. There are few reported cases of Impella® use in pediatric patients undergoing ablation; description of troubleshooting techniques may improve success rates. We describe a pediatric patient with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy due to incessant ectopic atrial tachycardia whose ablation was notable for significant electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the Impella® leading to incomplete mapping. This case highlights the need for multidisciplinary planning and consideration of possible EMI with the use of magnet-based electroanatomic mapping systems as well as troubleshooting techniques to reduce the impact of EMI.

Keywords

• ablative therapy
• cardiomyopathy
• electrophysiology
• left ventricular assist device