Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
07:39

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

Published on: August 16, 2021

4.2K

HeartMate III Left Ventricular Assist Device Thrombosis Triggered by an Automatic Implantable

Stefan Klotz1, Antje Karluss1, Sina Stock1

  • 1Department of Cardiac and Thoracic Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|November 21, 2017
PubMed

Insights

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) thrombosis was triggered by an implantable cardioverter defibrillator shock, causing a clot to enter the device. Increased motor temperature and CT scans confirmed the issue, leading to successful pump exchange.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Medical Device Technology

Background:

  • Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are crucial for end-stage heart failure management.
  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias.
  • Co-implantation of LVADs and ICDs presents unique clinical challenges.

Observation:

  • A patient with a HeartMate III LVAD experienced device thrombosis.
  • The thrombosis was initiated by an electrical shock from an co-implanted automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD).
  • The AICD shock released a left ventricular thrombus that was drawn into the LVAD inflow cannula.

Findings:

  • LVAD thrombosis was suspected due to unexplained low flow and increased pump motor temperature.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed the presence of a thrombus within the LVAD inflow cannula.
  • The primary cause identified was the AICD-induced dislodgement of a left ventricular thrombus.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare but serious complication of combined LVAD and AICD therapy.
  • Device thrombosis management requires prompt diagnosis and intervention, such as pump exchange.
  • Further research may be needed to optimize strategies for preventing such device-related complications in patients with mechanical circulatory support.

More Related Videos

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

3.7K
Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart16:11

Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart

Published on: July 18, 2014

36.1K

Related Concept Videos

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use01:23

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use

Introduction to AEDAn Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. In such emergencies, time is of the essence, and using an AED, combined with Cardiopulmonary...
794
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...
493
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
540
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization01:24

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
803
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
608
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
3.2K