Visualization of HeartMate 3 Outflow Graft Twisting by Selective Graft Angiography
Ali Dogan1, Oguz Konukoglu, Kenan Sever
1Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziosmanpasa Hospital, Cardiology Department, Gaziosmanpasa, Istanbul, Turkey. drdali@hotmail.com.
The Journal of Invasive Cardiology
|December 8, 2022
Summary
A patient with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) experienced low flow due to outflow graft twisting. Surgical correction immediately restored normal device function and flow.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
Background:
- A 55-year-old male with ischemic cardiomyopathy received a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).
- The patient experienced recurrent low-flow alarms indicating potential device malfunction.
- Investigating the cause of the LVAD malfunction was critical for patient management.
Observation:
- Low-flow alarms prompted a temporary cessation of the LVAD.
- Retrograde flow from the aorta through the outflow graft was observed.
- Selective visualization using a pigtail catheter revealed kinking at the outflow graft's origin.
Findings:
- The primary cause of the LVAD malfunction was identified as kinking in the outflow graft.
- The kinking was visualized and confirmed as a significant obstruction to device performance.
- Surgical intervention was performed to address the outflow graft kinking.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical correction of outflow graft kinking can restore LVAD function.
- This case highlights the importance of imaging techniques in identifying mechanical complications of LVADs.
- Effective management of LVAD-related complications is crucial for improving patient outcomes and device longevity.
