Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
A Left Atrial-to-Femoral Arterial Bypass Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device as a Bridge to Transcatheter Aortic
Enhua Wang1, Christian Witzke1, Emmanuel Akuna1
1Department of Cardiology, Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Background:
Patients with cardiogenic shock secondary to severe aortic stenosis represent a population at exceedingly high surgical risk. In this setting, the use of a left atrial-to-femoral arterial bypass percutaneous ventricular assist device (LA-FA pVAD) as temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS), followed by transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), may offer a viable, potentially lifesaving alternative.
Case Summary:
A 73-year-old man with known aortic stenosis was admitted with cardiogenic shock. Given the hemodynamic compromise associated with low-flow, low-gradient severe aortic stenosis, tMCS was initiated to stabilize end-organ perfusion. Subsequent TAVR was successfully performed, resulting in rapid clinical recovery.
Discussion:
This case highlights the feasibility of performing TAVR in severe aortic stenosis-related cardiogenic shock under tMCS. LA-FA pVAD provides effective unloading and systemic perfusion, bridging unstable patients to definitive valve intervention.
Take-Home Message:
An LA-FA pVAD can safely support TAVR in severe aortic stenosis-related cardiogenic shock.
