Open AccessSurgical Considerations of LVAD Implantation in Patients with Prosthetic Valves
Author(s) -
Igor D. Gregorič
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the vad journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2378-2706
DOI - 10.14434/vad.v1i0.27933
Subject(s) - medicine , ventricle , ventricular assist device , mechanical valve , mitral valve , surgery , thrombosis , cardiology , left atrium , heart failure , atrial fibrillation
The case report by Rajagopalan and Booth demonstrates successful long-term LVAD support of a patient with a mechanical mitral valve. The continuous flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle and into the inflow of the LVAD appears to provide sufficient washing of the Bjork-Shiley mechanical valve surfaces and avoid thrombosis. The higher level of anticoagulation used in this case may not have been needed, and in some patients this may have complicated gastrointestinal bleeding.