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Updated: May 8, 2026
07:39
Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
Trauma in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices
Sinan H Sarsam1, Deborah E Meyers, Andrew B Civitello
1Center for Cardiac Support, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, Texas.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|September 3, 2013
Summary
External trauma can cause continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) failure, a complication previously unreported. Consider trauma history in LVAD patients with unexplained device malfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are critical for end-stage heart failure management.
- HeartMate II is a commonly used continuous-flow LVAD.
- Previous literature has not documented trauma as a cause of LVAD failure.
Observation:
- This study presents four cases of HeartMate II device failure.
- LVAD complications were likely associated with external trauma in all cases.
- One patient experienced delayed symptom onset, seeking medical attention months after the traumatic event.
Findings:
- External trauma can lead to significant complications and failure of continuous-flow LVADs.
- Surgical intervention was required for all four patients.
- One patient died from postoperative respiratory complications months after surgery.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider external trauma as a potential cause of LVAD malfunction in stable patients.
- Prompt evaluation of trauma history is crucial for diagnosing LVAD complications.
- This finding may influence patient monitoring and management protocols for LVAD recipients.
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