Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device: Does the Activation of the Lavare Cycle Make a Difference?

ASAIO J. 2018 Jan/Feb;64(1):126-128. doi: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000000607.

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) events in patients supported with HeartWare ventricular assist device (VAD) and activated lavare cycle. Thirty-two GIB events were documented in 22 patients (21%) after median support duration of 22 days (IQR: 11-157 days). There were 13 patients with early episodes of GIB. Meanwhile, 17 GIB events were documented in 9 patients after a median support duration of 174 days (IQR 25-736 days) (late bleeders), accounting for 0.18 events per patient's years. The GIB events appear to be a frequent complication in patients with HeartWare VAD regardless of the lavare cycle.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / epidemiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Heart-Assist Devices / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Retrospective Studies