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Updated: Mar 23, 2026
Insertion, Maintenance, and Removal of the Percutaneous Dual Lumen Cannula Right Ventricular Assist Device
Published on: July 20, 2022
Endovascular Stenting of a LVAD Outflow Graft Thrombosis
Laila Hubbert1, Claes Forssell, Jacek Baranowski
1From the *Department of Cardiology, †Department of Medical and Health Sciences, ‡Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, and §Department of Clinical Physiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
Insights
Endovascular stenting successfully treated left ventricular assist device outflow tract thrombosis. Simultaneous stroke prevention with filter devices in carotid arteries is crucial for high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Devices
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are critical for end-stage heart failure.
- Outflow tract thrombosis is a serious LVAD complication.
- Sternotomy and pump exchange carry high risks for some patients.
Observation:
- A patient with LVAD outflow tract thrombosis had contraindications for traditional surgery.
- Endovascular stenting was considered as an alternative treatment.
- Stroke prevention during the procedure was a key concern.
Findings:
- Successful endovascular stenting of the LVAD outflow tract thrombosis was achieved.
- Filter devices were employed in the common carotid arteries during the procedure.
- This approach avoided high-risk sternotomy and pump exchange.
Implications:
- Endovascular stenting offers a viable alternative for managing LVAD thrombosis in high-risk patients.
- Prophylactic stroke prevention strategies are essential during these interventions.
- This case expands treatment options for LVAD complications.
Abstract:
We report the endovascular stenting of an outflow tract thrombosis in a left ventricular assist device in a patient with relative contraindications to sternotomy and pump exchange. This report highlights the importance of simultaneous prevention of stroke using filter devices in the common carotid arteries.
