Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
06:10

Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock

Published on: June 12, 2021

Endoscopic evaluation and management of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with ventricular assist devices

Marty M Meyer1, Scott D Young, Benjamin Sun

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.

Gastroenterology Research and Practice
|April 5, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in ventricular assist device (VAD) patients is crucial. Endoscopic evaluations, including video capsule endoscopy, are safe and effective for identifying bleeding sources in VAD recipients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a known complication in patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs).
  • The optimal diagnostic strategies for GIB in this population remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the diagnostic yield and safety of various endoscopic procedures for evaluating GIB in VAD patients.
  • To explore the etiology of GIB in patients with VADs.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of VAD patients experiencing overt GIB between April 2000 and July 2008.
  • Evaluation of endoscopic procedures including EGD, colonoscopy, balloon-assisted enteroscopy, and video capsule endoscopy (VCE).

Main Results:

  • Thirty-six bleeding episodes in 20 patients were analyzed.
  • Endoscopic evaluations successfully identified the GIB site in 88.9% and the etiology in 83.3% of cases.
  • Video capsule endoscopy showed a high yield (80%) in identifying GIB etiology, with successful endoscopic intervention in 8/9 attempts and no reported adverse events.

Conclusions:

  • Upper endoscopy, lower endoscopy, balloon-assisted enteroscopy, and VCE are safe and effective diagnostic tools for GIB in VAD patients.
  • Standardized protocols are recommended for optimizing endoscopic evaluation and intervention in VAD patients with GIB.

More Related Videos

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock07:39

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock

Published on: August 16, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management01:30

Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...