Thrombotic and Hemorrhagic Complications Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement: An Emphasis on Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Stroke, and Pump Thrombosis

Joseph Phan; Kareem Elgendi; Masi Javeed; Juan M Aranda; Mustafa M Ahmed; Juan Vilaro; Mohammad Al-Ani; Alex M Parker

doi:10.7759/cureus.51160

Thrombotic and Hemorrhagic Complications Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement: An Emphasis on Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Stroke, and Pump Thrombosis

Cureus. 2023 Dec 27;15(12):e51160. doi: 10.7759/cureus.51160. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Authors

Joseph Phan¹, Kareem Elgendi¹, Masi Javeed², Juan M Aranda³, Mustafa M Ahmed³, Juan Vilaro³, Mohammad Al-Ani³, Alex M Parker³

Affiliations

¹ Internal Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, USA.
² Internal Medicine, HCA Healthcare/University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Graduate Medical Education: Bayonet Point Hospital, Hudson, USA.
³ Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA.

Abstract

The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical circulatory support device that supports the heart failure patient as a bridge to transplant (BTT) or as a destination therapy for those who have other medical comorbidities or complications that disqualify them from meeting transplant criteria. In patients with severe heart failure, LVAD use has extended survival and improved signs and symptoms of cardiac congestion and low cardiac output, such as dyspnea, fatigue, and exercise intolerance. However, these devices are associated with specific hematologic and thrombotic complications. In this manuscript, we review the common hematologic complications of LVADs.

Keywords: device-related thrombus (drt); gastrointestinal bleeding; heart failure; hemorrhagic complications; left ventricular assist device; stroke; thrombotic complications.

Publication types

Review