Pulmonary embolism and LVAD: is there compatibility?
A 41-year-old-male with diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy was referred to our hospital for heart failure, despite standard medical therapy, to evaluate indications for heart transplantation or mechanical cardiac support. Preoperative contrast computer tomography (CT) scan diagnosed pulmonary thrombosis of the left branch of the pulmonary artery. Treatment with low molecular weight heparin was established and the next day a thrombus-arteriectomy and Heartware (Heartware, Framingham, MA, USA) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation were performed simultaneously. The patient was discharged home with oral anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, according to our center's VAD protocol. Currently, the patient has been assisted with the LVAD for the past 24 months. The CT scan confirmed the absence of pulmonary artery thrombosis.
Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, Padua University, Padua - Italy.
Jonida
J
Bejko
Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, Padua University, Padua - Italy.
Giacomo
G
Bortolussi
Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, Padua University, Padua - Italy.
Vincenzo
V
Tarzia
Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, Padua University, Padua - Italy.
Gino
G
Gerosa
Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, Padua University, Padua - Italy.
Tomaso
T
Bottio
D000328:Adult; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000601:surgery; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D000066491:Clinical Decision-Making; D017128:Embolectomy; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000601:surgery*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018579:Patient Selection; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D018570:Risk Assessment