Open AccessResolution of hemolysis from pump thrombus during left ventricular assist device exchange
Author(s) -
Shinya Unai,
Hitoshi Hirose,
John W. Entwistle,
Louis E. Samuels
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
world journal of clinical cases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.368
H-Index - 10
ISSN - 2307-8960
DOI - 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i8.373
Subject(s) - medicine , hemolysis , thrombus , ventricular assist device , left ventricular thrombus , cardiology , urine , thrombosis , surgery , heart failure
A 50-year-old male who underwent a HeartMate II left ventricular assist device placement for ischemic cardiomyopathy presented with discolored urine and hemolysis 3 mo after the operation. His hemolysis was thought to be due to thrombosis within the pump. Imaging studies were not able to visualize a left ventricular thrombus. Medical management with anticoagulation failed and he underwent surgery for a pump exchange. Intraoperatively, a firm thrombus was found within the pump of the HeartMate II, and the color of the urine changed dramatically from cola-colored to yellow which enabled us to confirm the diagnosis.