Usefulness of a left ventricular assist device in patients with left ventricular noncompaction

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a multifactorial structural abnormality of the myocardial wall characterized by prominent trabeculae and deep trabecular recesses. LVNC may present as a congenital or acquired defect characterized by 2 distinct tissue layers: a spongy, noncompacted inner myocardium and a thin, compacted outer myocardium. Patients with LVNC are prone to thromboembolic events, either due to deep trabeculations in the noncompacted myocardium or due to arrhythmias accompanying the defect. There are sparse data concerning treatment options for patients with LVNC who fail medical management. We present 2 such patients with LVNC who, following failed medical management, received a left ventricular assist device (LVAD): one for long-term management and one as a bridge to transplant. Both were managed successfully without thromboembolic events to date. The success of these cases suggests that LVAD placement is a viable therapy in patients with LVNC as a bridge to transplant or as long-term management.