Case Reports

Successful Management of Thrombosis of the Proximal Aorta after Implantation with a Biventricular Assist Device

^* Heart and Lung Transplant Center, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, New Jersey
^† Cardiovascular Clinical Research Unit, Barnabas Heart Hospitals, Newark, New Jersey
^‡ Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, New Jersey

Address correspondence to: Mark J. Russo, MD, MS, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Barnabas Health Heart Centers, 201 Lyons Ave, Suite G5, Newark, NJ 07112. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Received: 18 July 2014
Accepted: 2 October 2014

Abstract

Continuous-flow ventricular assist devices (CVADs) are associated with a significant complication profile that includes thrombosis of the ascending aorta and aortic valve, thromboembolism, and stroke. Despite an increasing number of reports of thromboembolic complications related to CVADs, there is little in the literature to guide their management. This report describes successful management strategies used during two cases of thrombosis of the ascending aorta during biventricular CentriMag (Levitronix LLC, Waltham, MA) support, including using pre-existing cannulas to initiate cardiopulmonary bypass.