ESC Heart Failure (Apr 2021)

Pump thrombosis and dynamic outflow graft compression: complications in left ventricular assist device therapy

  • Stephan Dobner,
  • Christoph Gräni,
  • Beate Hugi‐Mayr,
  • Maks Mihalj,
  • Daniel Rhyner,
  • Monika Wieser,
  • Michele Martinelli,
  • Lukas Hunziker,
  • David Reineke

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ehf2.13244
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 2
pp. 1631 – 1636

Abstract

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Abstract Over the past decade, left ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy has become more prevalent and increasingly safe. Severe complications, such as VAD pump thrombosis and outflow graft obstruction, are rare, yet still associated with high morbidity and mortality. Clinical presentation, VAD alarm and log files, laboratory analysis, and non‐invasive cardiac imaging are crucial for establishing the correct diagnosis and determining clinical management. Early intervention is critical to prevent adverse cardiac remodelling or VAD pump failure.

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