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Published on: August 1, 2025
Successful percutaneous trans-catheter treatment of left ventricular assist device outflow graft stenosis with a
Elizabeth M Retzer1, Sara A Tannenbaum1, Savitri E Fedson1
1Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Insights
Left ventricular assist device outflow graft stenosis, a rare complication, can now be treated with a minimally invasive covered stent. This percutaneous trans-catheter approach offers a new option for high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) improve survival in advanced heart failure.
- Complications include infection, pump thrombosis, and aortic insufficiency.
- Outflow graft stenosis is a rare but hemodynamically significant LVAD complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the first case of treating LVAD outflow graft stenosis.
- To present a percutaneous trans-catheter solution for high-risk patients.
Main Methods:
- Percutaneous trans-catheter placement of a covered stent.
- Treatment of left ventricular assist device outflow graft stenosis.
Main Results:
- Successful treatment of a rare LVAD complication.
- Demonstration of a novel, minimally invasive approach.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous trans-catheter covered stent placement is a viable option for LVAD outflow graft stenosis.
- This technique offers an alternative for patients unsuitable for surgical repair.
Abstract:
Left ventricular assist devices improve survival in patients with advanced heart failure but can be associated with significant complication including infection, pump thrombosis, and de novo severe aortic insufficiency. Outflow graft stenosis is a much more rare complication, but one with significant hemodynamic consequences. Surgical repair is often necessary, but many patients are too high risk for further surgical intervention. We describe the first case of left ventricular assist device outflow graft stenosis treated with percutaneous trans-catheter placement of a covered stent.
