Levitronix ventricular assist devices as a bridge to recovery after profound biventricular heart failure associated with pulmonary aspergillosis

J Heart Lung Transplant. 2007 Apr;26(4):345-9. doi: 10.1016/j.healun.2007.01.024.

Abstract

A patient with multisystem organ failure and refractory cardiopulmonary shock stemming from Aspergillus pneumonia was treated with 2 Levitronix ventricular assist devices as a bridge-to-recovery. After ventricular assist device placement, the patient recovered myocardial function. The ventricular assist devices were removed on post-implant Day 7, and the patient made a full long-term recovery. Ventricular assist devices should be strongly considered, as bridges to recovery, to support patients with acute myocardial dysfunction associated with sepsis while the underlying infection is treated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillosis / complications*
  • Heart Failure / microbiology*
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / complications*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonia / complications*
  • Pneumonia / microbiology
  • Recovery of Function