Open AccessImplantation of a left ventricular assist device to provide long‐term support for end‐stage Duchenne muscular dystrophy‐associated cardiomyopathy
Author(s) -
Stoller Douglas,
Araj Faris,
Amin Alpesh,
Fitzsimmons Catherine,
Morlend Robert,
Thibodeau Jennifer T.,
Ramaciotti Claudio,
Drazner Mark H.,
Meyer Dan M.,
Mammen Pradeep P.A.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
esc heart failure
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.787
H-Index - 25
ISSN - 2055-5822
DOI - 10.1002/ehf2.12160
Subject(s) - medicine , duchenne muscular dystrophy , cardiomyopathy , muscular dystrophy , ventricular assist device , heart failure , cardiology , inotrope , weakness , surgery
A young man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy presented to the UT Southwestern Neuromuscular Cardiomyopathy Clinic with advanced heart failure. Despite maximal medical therapy, his cardiac function continued to decline requiring initiation of inotrope therapy. Given the patient's clinical deterioration, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was implanted as destination therapy after undergoing a multidisciplinary assessment. The patient tolerated the surgical implantation of the LVAD without any significant complications, and he has had a relatively unremarkable course 38 months post‐LVAD implantation. A critical factor contributing to the long‐term success of this patient was the decision to select an LVAD that would not disrupt the diaphragm and thus preserve the respiratory muscle strength. This case demonstrates that permanent mechanical LVADs should be considered for appropriately selected Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients with medically refractory end‐stage cardiomyopathy.