Prospective Randomized Evaluation of an Ultra Conservative Approach to Implantable Defibrillator (ICD) Programming in Patients With a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD).

We propose to study a strategy empirically applied for the past 6 months at a high volume LVAD center (Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute). This utilizes an ultra conservative device programming strategy to maximize battery longevity, avoid inappropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy, improve quality of life through reduction in overall shock burden, and potentially avoid unnecessary device generator changes prior to transplant. Avoiding CIED (cardiac implantable electronic device) change out device procedures prior to transplant is desirable.