Catheter thrombectomy for basilar artery stroke immediately after insertion of durable left ventricular assist device

Vasiliki Gregory1, Ameesh Isath2, Atul D Bali2

  • 1New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.

Perfusion
|November 15, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is rare but serious. Endovascular thrombectomy successfully treated early AIS in an LVAD patient, offering a viable option.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Neurology
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a significant complication following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.
  • AIS typically occurs 6-24 months post-implantation, making early-onset stroke a rare occurrence.

Observation:

  • A 67-year-old male with severe coronary artery disease received an LVAD due to low output state post-CABG.
  • Within 4.5 hours of LVAD implantation, the patient developed acute basilar artery ischemic stroke.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent successful single-pass catheter endovascular thrombectomy for the acute ischemic stroke.
  • This case highlights an uncommon early post-LVAD stroke presentation.

Implications:

  • Endovascular thrombectomy is a feasible treatment for acute ischemic stroke in the early hours after LVAD implantation.
  • This approach offers a therapeutic option despite challenges with anticoagulation in LVAD patients.

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