Thoratec left ventricular assist device removal after toxic myocarditis

The clinical manifestation and natural history of myocarditis range is variable from asymptomatic stages to intractable circulatory compromise and death. Supportive therapy is paramount in the treatment of this condition. The use of mechanical circulatory support as bridge-to-recovery or bridge-to-transplantation in cases of cardiovascular collapse is often the only therapeutic option for these patients. We report the case of an adolescent boy with toxic myocarditis, due to cannabis abuse, who was supported with a Thoratec left ventricular assist device (Thoratec Laboratories Corp, Pleasanton, CA) for 96 days before device removal.