title: Trauma in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices.
abstract: Trauma-related failure of a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has not previously been reported. We present 4 cases in which LVAD complications were likely caused by external trauma and led to failure of a HeartMate II device. In 1 case, the onset of symptoms was delayed and the patient did not seek medical attention until months after the traumatic event. All 4 patients required surgical intervention, and 1 patient died of respiratory complications several months postoperatively. In conclusion, a history of external trauma should be considered as a possible etiologic factor when LVAD-supported patients in previously stable condition present with device malfunction.
authors.affiliation: Center for Cardiac Support, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Sinan H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Sarsam
authors.forename: Deborah E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Meyers
authors.forename: Andrew B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Civitello
authors.forename: Enoch E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Agunanne
authors.forename: Peggy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Odegaard
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Cohn
authors.forename: O H
authors.initials: OH
authors.lastname: Frazier
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000601:surgery*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D055815:Young Adult