Various embodiments of a ventricular assist system and a method of using such system are disclosed. The system includes a pump adapted to be connected to a heart of a patient, an outflow cannula including a first end adapted to be connected to an outlet of the pump and a second end adapted to be connected to an artery of the patient, and an electrode disposed on an outer surface of the outflow cannula and adapted to be disposed adjacent to an exterior wall of the heart. The system further includes a controller electrically connected to the pump and the electrode, where the controller is adapted to provide a pacing signal to the electrode.