Management of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia with Fondaparinux in a Patient with Left Ventricular Assist Device

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is an immune-mediated serious adverse effect of heparin therapy. It is a relatively frequent complication among patients with mechanical circulatory support. Herein, we present a patient with severe heart failure and sepsis who developed heparin- induced thrombocytopenia shortly after implantation of left ventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation and who was successfully treated with fondaparinux.

Keywords

• Heart failure
• Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
• Sepsis
• Ventricular assist device
• Anticoagulation