Clot or Not? : The Utility of an Invasive Ramp Study in Evaluation of Potential LVAD Pump Thrombosis

Left-ventricular assist devices (LVAD's) have emerged as the preferred treatment modality for end-stage heart failure, either as a bridge to transplantation or as destination therapy. However, one of the feared complications of LVAD implantation is the development of thrombus within the pump, which is associated with pump malfunction, bleeding, infection, and the need for repeat surgery1. Routine laboratory evaluation and imaging modalities such as echocardiography and CT scanning can help aide in the diagnosis, though uncertainty often remains.
Source: Journal of Cardiac Failure - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research