Late Infected Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm Following LVAD Explantation After Trauma

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are crucial for end-stage heart failure.
• Complications after LVAD explantation can occur, but late-onset pseudoaneurysms are rare.
• Thoracic trauma can potentially trigger adverse events in patients with a history of cardiac device implantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of infected pseudoaneurysm after LVAD explantation.
• To discuss the diagnostic difficulties associated with this late complication.
• To highlight effective therapeutic strategies for managing post-explantation pseudoaneurysms.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a patient with a history of LVAD.
• Review of diagnostic imaging and clinical findings.
• Description of the management and treatment approach.

Main Results:

• An infected left ventricular pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed late after LVAD explantation.
• The pseudoaneurysm was associated with a pulsatile mass and likely triggered by minor thoracic trauma.
• Successful management involved addressing the infection and pseudoaneurysm.

Conclusions:

• Infected pseudoaneurysms are a rare but serious late complication following LVAD explantation.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic interventions are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• This case underscores the importance of considering rare complications even after device removal.