Recurrent device thrombi during mechanical circulatory support with an axial-flow pump is a treatable condition and does not preclude successful long-term support.
The formation of pump thrombus after implantation of axial-flow ventricular assist devices has been described previously. We report a case of recurrent pump thrombus formation in a 63-year-old man who was bridged to heart transplantation with a MicroMed DeBakey ventricular assist device. He was treated with a low, dose-adjusted thrombolytic treatment protocol, and was subsequently successfully bridged to transplantation. Transient pump thrombus formation does not preclude safe long-term support with an axial-flow pump when diagnosed and treated appropriately.
Jahanyar
Jama
J
Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. jahanyar@bcm.tmc.edu
Noon
George P
GP
Koerner
Michael M
MM
Youker
Keith A
KA
Malaisrie
S Chris
SC
Ngo
Uy Q
UQ
Torre-Amione
Guillermo
G
Loebe
Matthias
M
D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*