Using a Cast Iron Skillet to Resolve Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Electromagnetic Interference
Recommended Citation
Shaheriyar M, Taimur M, Busby JC, Hussain Z, Taj QF, Hassan S. Using a Cast Iron Skillet to Resolve Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Interference. JACC Case Rep. 2026;31(16):107731.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-22-2026
Publication Title
JACC Case Rep
Keywords
Faraday cage; Impella; cardiogenic shock; electromagnetic interference; implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; percutaneous ventricular assist device
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD)-induced electromagnetic interference (EMI) can disrupt implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) telemetry. We describe a novel mitigation strategy using a cast iron skillet.
CASE SUMMARY: An 81-year-old woman with an ICD underwent pVAD-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention for cardiogenic shock. Postprocedure interrogation for slow ventricular tachycardia failed due to significant EMI. Because hemodynamic instability precluded reducing pVAD flow to mitigate interference, a cast iron skillet was placed over the heart. This pseudo-Faraday cage successfully restored telemetry.
DISCUSSION: Although the "skillet method" aids durable left ventricular assist device interrogation, prior reports suggest inefficacy with pVADs, favoring flow reduction. We report the first successful use of a cast iron skillet to shield Impella EMI, offering a vital strategy for unstable patients unable to tolerate pump weaning.
TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: pVAD systems can generate EMI, disrupting ICD telemetry. When hemodynamic instability prevents lowering pVAD flow, a cast iron skillet can assist in shielding EMI and restoring communication.
PubMed ID
41847776
ePublication
ePub ahead of print
Volume
31
Issue
16
First Page
107731
Last Page
107731
