The use of an implantable left ventricular assist device following irreversible ventricular fibrillation secondary to massive myocardial infarction.
A TCI1 rough surface left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was implanted in a 47-year-old man who had sustained a recent massive myocardial infarction complicated by ventricular failure which remained unresponsive to intra-aortic balloon pump therapy and which was further complicated by irreversible ventricular fibrillation. Following implantation of the device and while awaiting a suitable donor organ for transplantation, further extension of the previous infarct resulted in left ventricular rupture and massive haemorrhage which led to his death. We report the successful use of the device in providing haemodynamic support, but caution against inordinate delay in bridging to transplantation patients who are at risk of extension of infarction.
Lewis
C T
CT
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, London Hospital, Whitechapel, UK.
Graham
T R
TR
Marrinan
M T
MT
Chalmers
J A
JA
Colvin
M P
MP
Withington
P S
PS
Coumbe
A
A
D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications*; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*