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.