title: Particle embolization for the treatment of life-threatening epistaxis in a left ventricular assist device patient.
abstract: While epistaxis is self-limiting in most cases, patients who are anticoagulated are at increased risk for life-threatening hemorrhage. The management of epistaxis in patients with a left ventricular assist device is further complicated by an increased risk for hemodynamic instability. Here, we detail the successful treatment of massive epistaxis in a left ventricular assist device patient by endovascular particle embolization. We hope to increase awareness in the cardiovascular community of this minimally invasive, potentially life-saving procedure.
authors.affiliation: From the Section of Cardiac Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
authors.forename: Brian S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Letzen
authors.forename: Charles C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Matouk
authors.forename: Pramod
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bonde
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants