Right ventricular failure after left ventricular assist device implantation with concomitant pulmonary embolectomy needing right ventricular assist device support in a patient with terminal heart failure and asymptomatic pulmonary thrombus

Abstract

We present a case in which a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was implanted in a patient with terminal heart failure and preoperatively diagnosed asymptomatic thrombus in the right pulmonary artery. LVAD implantation was performed with concomitant thromboembolectomy in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) and intra-operatively right ventricular assist device (RVAD) implantation for the treatment of acute right ventricular failure became necessary. The patient was weaned from the RVAD after eight days of support.