Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: June 12, 2021
Left Ventricular Assist Device Outflow Graft Obstruction: A Complication Specific to Polytetrafluoroethylene
Talal Alnabelsi1, Alexis E Shafii2, John C Gurley1
1From the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
Abstract:
Pump thrombosis is an established complication of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Outflow graft obstruction has been previously described as one cause of LVAD thrombosis. We identified four cases of outflow graft obstruction that were attributed to a commonly applied polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) covering of the outflow graft. In this set of patients, the outflow graft was obstructed by a thrombus which formed between the outflow graft and its external PTFE covering, leading to impingement of the outflow graft. Patients typically presented after a median duration of 26 months (range 23-41 months) of support with gradual increase of heart failure symptoms and low pump flows. Computed tomography angiography was found to be the best diagnostic modality. Treatments included surgical LVAD replacement as well as percutaneous intraluminal stenting of the outflow graft. Our findings indicate that PTFE graft covering of the LVAD outflow graft can lead to graft occlusion and should be reconsidered as a potentially harmful modification to the approved device implant technique.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...

