Early Postoperative Aortic Root Thrombus After Heartmate 3

Heart Surg Forum. 2019 Sep 5;22(5):E372-E374. doi: 10.1532/hsf.2635.

Abstract

As a bridge to heart transplantation or destination treatment, implantation of the Heartmate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device is a viable option for patients with end-stage congestive heart failure. The recent Momentum 3 trial has shown favorable outcomes compared with Heartmate 2. We report the first case of aortic root thrombus occurring early after HM3 implantation as a bridge to heart transplantation. Our case suggests that bridging with an Impella 5.0 preceding HM3 implantation could potentially predispose patients to aortic root thrombus after HM3 implantation, due to Impella-related injury to the aortic valve and aortic root stasis after durable LVAD support.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aorta / diagnostic imaging
  • Aorta / injuries*
  • Aortic Valve / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Valve / injuries*
  • Heart Failure / surgery
  • Heart Transplantation
  • Heart Valve Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Valve Diseases / etiology*
  • Heart Valve Diseases / surgery
  • Heart-Assist Devices / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Thrombosis / surgery