Trauma in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices

Sinan H. Sarsam, Deborah E. Meyers, Andrew B. Civitello, Enoch E. Agunanne, Peggy Odegaard, William E. Cohn, O. H. Frazier

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1520-1522
Number of pages3
JournalAmerican Journal of Cardiology
Volume112
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2013
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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