Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025

Insertion, Maintenance, and Removal of the Percutaneous Dual Lumen Cannula Right Ventricular Assist Device
Published on: July 20, 2022
Cesarean delivery in a parturient with a left ventricular assist device
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
Abstract:
Left ventricular assist devices are implanted pumps designed to treat patients with heart failure, and in some cases, to be a bridge to transplantation for patients who qualify. The preconception presence of a left ventricular assist device is a relative contraindication to pregnancy. Few cases have been published regarding the anesthetic management of parturients with left ventricular assist devices. We present the care of a 24-year-old gravida seven, para two woman who presented for induction of labor at gestational age 34 and 6/7 weeks. Her medical history was significant for the presence of a left ventricular assist device, inserted due to heart failure associated with polysubstance abuse. To our knowledge, this is the first description of successful cesarean delivery under neuraxial anesthesia of a parturient with a left ventricular assist device.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management

