Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Tolerability Of Intermittent Hemodialysis In A Cohort Of Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Device, Christopher Areephanthu, Amr Elhusseini, Bennet George, Jessica Mcabee, B. Peter Sawaya

The VAD Journal

Background: The use of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has emerged as a popular treatment for patients with advanced heart failure. It is not uncommon for these patients to suffer from renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy. The purpose of this study is to assess hemodynamic parameters and ability to complete the prescribed hemodialysis session in a series of patients who underwent numerous dialysis treatments.

Methods: Nine patients with Heart Mate II LVAD received 170 intermittent inpatient hemodialysis treatments between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2012. Assessment included vital signs, ultrafiltrate removed, hemodialysis duration, symptoms, early terminations (ET), and …

Normal Lactate Dehydrogenase Does Not Exclude Pump Thrombosis In Left Ventricular Assist Devices, Julie Shelton Do, Bennet George Md, Amanda Hart Bsn, Rn, Maya Guglin Md

The VAD Journal

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) pump thrombosis is a well-known complication of LVAD placement. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) has classically been the first objective marker of pump thrombosis. In this case, we present a patient found to have normal serum LDH values but was ultimately found to have significant pump thrombosis.

Outcomes Of External Repair Of Heartmate Ii™ Lvad Percutaneous Leads, Jay D. Pal, Claudius Mahr, Jason W. Smith, Todd F. Dardas, Jay Pinette, David J. Farrar, Nahush A. Mokadam

The VAD Journal

Background: The HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) receives power via a percutaneous lead connected to an external controller and batteries. At times, this lead can be damaged during normal wear, as well as by traumatic fracture, which may jeopardize the functionality of the LVAD. If there is significant internal damage, surgical replacement of the LVAD is required. However it is possible to repair externally damaged leads by replacing the distal portion of the lead to avoid pump replacement. We report the overall experience and outcomes in patients with external lead repairs.

Methods: A procedure for full …