Work

Percutaneous Mechanical Aspiration of an Aortic Root Thrombus Causing a Myocardial Infarction

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are critical for patients with end-stage cardiomyopathy but complications, such as aortic root thrombus (ART), are present in up to 10% of cases. ART management is challenging, with limited therapeutic options. CASE SUMMARY: A 54-year-old female with an LVAD presented with acute chest pain and a thrombus in the left coronary cusp. She was treated with successful percutaneous mechanical aspiration (PMA) of the aortic root and coronary arteries. Her international normalized ratio target was increased, and she has not had a recurrence of her ART. DISCUSSION: ART in LVAD patients often arises from impaired aortic valve opening, promoting thrombus formation. This case demonstrates the utility of PMA as a safe and effective alternative to surgical removal. TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: ART is a critical complication of LVADs, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. PMA can offer a definitive and safe treatment option for ART in select patients.

Source: JACC Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2025.103524

Authors: Goyal Umadat, Nahyr Lugo-Fagundo, Carolyn Landolfo, Peter Pollak, Abdallah El Sabbagh

Institution: Mayo Clinic in Florida

Language: English

Topic: Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $850