Alternative approach for use of a left ventricular assist device with a thrombosed prosthetic valve

J Heart Lung Transplant. 2002 Mar;21(3):402-4. doi: 10.1016/s1053-2498(01)00354-0.

Abstract

Implantation of a left ventricular assist device is problematic in patients with prosthetic heart valves, due to an increased risk of thrombosis with embolization. This report describes the use of a bovine pericardial patch to close the aortic outflow tract in a patient with a mechanical aortic valve and end-stage cardiomyopathy who required urgent left ventricular assist support. A successful outcome suggests that this technique may be of value in treating similar patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / surgery
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures*
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / surgery
  • Contraindications
  • Female
  • Heart Diseases / surgery*
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis*
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery*
  • Thrombosis / surgery*