Author/Authors :
Sarsam، نويسنده , , Sinan H. and Meyers، نويسنده , , Deborah E. and Civitello، نويسنده , , Andrew B. and Agunanne، نويسنده , , Enoch E. and Odegaard، نويسنده , , Peggy and Cohn، نويسنده , , William E. and Frazier، نويسنده , , O.H.، نويسنده ,
Abstract :
Trauma-related failure of a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has not previously been reported. We present 4 cases in which LVAD complications were likely caused by external trauma and led to failure of a HeartMate II device. In 1 case, the onset of symptoms was delayed and the patient did not seek medical attention until months after the traumatic event. All 4 patients required surgical intervention, and 1 patient died of respiratory complications several months postoperatively. In conclusion, a history of external trauma should be considered as a possible etiologic factor when LVAD-supported patients in previously stable condition present with device malfunction.
