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ABSTRACT: Background
Aortic complications can happen during left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) insertion and its treatment remains challenging. Percutaneous aortic interventions can be an alternative to surgery in such high-risk cases.Case summary
We present a patient with idiopatic dilated cardiomyopathy and advanced heart failure requiring LVAD insertion as a bridge to transplant, who developed an aortic pseudoaneurysm below the anastomosis of the LVAD tube. He was successfully treated with percutaneous coiling under contrast-enhanced transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) guidance, reaching destination therapy (heart transplantation) a year later.Discussion
Left ventricular assist devices provide haemodynamic support for patients with advanced heart failure waiting for heart transplantation. Although uncommon, aortic complications can happen as a result of LVAD insertion and be life-threatening. Percutaneous aortic interventions can be performed in such cases to promote thrombosis and remodelling of false lumen or aneurysmatic spaces, hence potentially reducing the risk of sudden death. Contrast-enhanced TOE can be easily and safely used to monitor the intervention in order to improve anatomic definition, guide positioning of wires and catheters and assess early results.
SUBMITTER: Castro Verdes M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7850615 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature