QRS complex fragmentation and survival following left ventricular assist device implantation

Isac C. Thomas, David P. Cork, Ankit K. Bhatia, Hemal M. Nayak, Martin C. Burke, Joshua D. Moss

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: In patients with heart disease, the presence of a fragmented QRS complex (fQRS) on the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) is associated with an increased risk of mortality. We sought to evaluate the prevalence and location of fQRS before and after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation and any associated risk of mortality. Methods and results: Twelve-lead surface ECGs before (pre-LVAD, n. =. 98) and after (early [<. 7. days], n. =. 96, and late [≥. 30. days], n. =. 85, post-LVAD) LVAD implantation were evaluated for fQRS. Mortality data were gathered via review of medical records. The prevalence of fQRS increased significantly following LVAD implantation on early post-LVAD ECGs (31% to 47%, p. <. 0.01). Patients with fQRS in the anterior territory (precordial leads V1 to V5) on late post-LVAD ECGs had decreased survival or survival to cardiac transplantation over a 30. month follow-up period compared with patients who did not exhibit anterior fQRS (30% and 59%, respectively, p. <. 0.01). Conclusions: The prevalence of fragmented QRS on 12-lead ECG increases significantly in the anterior territory following LVAD implantation and is associated with decreased survival.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)165-169
Number of pages5
JournalIJC Heart and Vasculature
Volume7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ECG
  • Fragmented QRS
  • Left ventricular assist device
  • Mortality
  • Survival

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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