Left Ventricular Assist Device Outflow Cannula Obstruction

Abstract

One of the dreaded complications of left ventricular assist device implantation is mechanical obstruction of the device secondary to pump thrombosis or mechanical outflow cannula obstruction. We describe a case of outflow cannula obstruction caused by kinking and twisting of the outflow graft after surgical manipulation of the pump. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

Keywords

• cardiac assist devices
• cardiomyopathy
• computed tomography