Case Report

Use of the Abiomed BVS 5000 for Temporary Right Ventricular Assist Following Implantation of the TCI HeartMate for Left Ventricular Assist: A Case Report

Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, New York

^* Address correspondence to: Joseph J. Sistino, MPA, CCP, 100 Lyons Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583

Abstract

Until recently, right ventricular failure following implantation of a left ventricular assist device carried a 100% mortality. Unsuccessful use of centrifugal pumps for right ventricular assist in this patient population has been attributed to bleeding complications. In this patient, an Abiomed BVS 5000 was used for 5 days until the right ventricular function recovered and the patient was successfully weaned. Following transplantation and removal of the TCI HeartMate device, the patient's right ventricular function again deteriorated and required 8 days of right heart assist with the Abiomed BVS 5000. The patient was again weaned and has fully recovered. The benefits of the Abiomed BVS 5000 for ventricular assist include the automatic control of pump flow and the minimal system pressures which reduce blood trauma and bleeding complications.