Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 27, 2026

In Vitro Thrombosis Test for Ventricular Assist Devices
09:15

In Vitro Thrombosis Test for Ventricular Assist Devices

Published on: March 21, 2025

1.4K

Intravenous thrombolytic therapy for patients with ventricular assist device thrombosis: An attempt to avoid

Beth T Webber1, Anthony L Panos, Yiliam F Rodriguez-Blanco

  • 1Department of Anesthesia, Division of Cardiovascular Anesthesia, University of Miami, Florida, USA.

Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia
|January 12, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) pump thrombosis is an increasing complication. This case study shows successful thrombolysis using tissue plasminogen activator in the ICU.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly used for advanced heart failure management.
  • A growing number of patients require prolonged LVAD support, leading to a rise in device-related complications.
  • LVAD pump thrombosis is a significant and feared complication with challenging management strategies.

Observation:

  • LVAD pump thrombosis incidence may be higher than previously estimated, based on data from major LVAD centers.
  • Patients with LVADs often have complex comorbidities, complicating treatment decisions.
  • Standard protocols, such as increased anticoagulation, may not effectively resolve thrombus.

Findings:

  • Successful thrombolysis was achieved through intravenous administration of tissue plasminogen activator.
  • Treatment was successfully administered in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting.
  • This approach offers an alternative to reoperation, which carries significant risks and poor prognosis.

Implications:

  • Intravenous thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator presents a viable treatment option for LVAD pump thrombosis.
  • This method may improve outcomes for patients experiencing this severe LVAD complication.
  • Further research into optimal thrombolytic strategies for LVAD patients is warranted.

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

4.3K
Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock06:10

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

Published on: June 12, 2021

3.8K

Related Concept Videos

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...
463
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
651
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,...
372
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management01:27

Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
654
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
547
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...
621