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. 2012:2012:376384.
doi: 10.1155/2012/376384. Epub 2012 Sep 26.

Hemolysis and Pulmonary Insufficiency following Right Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Sarah A Schubert  1 , Behzad Soleimani, Walter E Pae
Affiliations

Hemolysis and Pulmonary Insufficiency following Right Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Sarah A Schubert et al. Case Rep Transplant. 2012.

Abstract

We report a case of severe hemolysis and pulmonary valve insufficiency (PI) following right ventricular support using a paracorporeal pneumatic pump (Abiomed, Danvers, MA, USA). We speculate that the high velocity jet of blood emanating from the outflow cannula caused turbulence above the pulmonary valve, leading to PI and hemolysis. Despite the growing number of implanted ventricular assist devices, we could find no report in the literature describing pulmonary valve insufficiency secondary to right ventricular assist device (RVAD) placement. Fortunately, in this case, right ventricular function recovered sufficiently after seven days of support, allowing explantation of the device and resolution of PI and hemolysis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Plasma hemoglobin (mg/dL) following biventricular assist device (BiVAD) implantation.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Total bilirubin (mg/dL) following biventricular assist device (BiVAD) implantation.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Transesophageal echo demonstrating the pulmonary insufficiency was believed to be secondary to the position of the outflow cannula of the right ventricular assist device.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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