New Challenges in the Treatment of Patients With Left Ventricular Support: LVAD Thrombosis

Curr Heart Fail Rep. 2016 Dec;13(6):302-309. doi: 10.1007/s11897-016-0310-z.

Abstract

Mechanical circulatory support has revolutionized the treatment of heart failure, affording patients significantly improved survival and quality of life. However, further advancements in this technology have been hindered by adverse events, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding, driveline infection, stroke, and device thrombosis. Recently, there has been a renewed focus on device thrombosis as the reported incidence has increased. This review focuses on an update on the diagnostic modalities and current treatment algorithms of this serious complication.

Keywords: Antifactor Xa; Device thrombosis; Echocardiographic ramp test; Thrombolytics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Heart-Assist Devices / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Quality of Life
  • Thrombosis / diagnosis
  • Thrombosis / epidemiology
  • Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Thrombosis / therapy