Work

Frequency, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of left ventricular assist device-associated ventricular thrombus

Year: 2000

Type: article

Abstract: Astatic supply of donor organs has necessitated the development of left ventricular (LV) assist devices (ADs) to bridge patients to cardiac transplantation.1–5 Thromboembolic complication rates of 20% to 30% were initially a major limitation to the widespread use of LVADs.6–9 The success of the Heartmate (Thermocardiosystem Inc., Woburn, Massachusetts) device has been partly due to the reduced incidence of thromboembolic events (approximately 4%), obviating the need for long-term anticoagulation.1,2,10 Extracorporeal LVADs, used mainly as short-term support for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, continue to be associated with thromboembolic events and require full anticoagulation.8,9 This study examines the predictors of LV thrombus in consecutive patients receiving LVAD support at a single center over a 2-year period.

Source: The American Journal of Cardiology

DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9149(00)01182-6