A rare case of left-ventricular assist-device fungal obstruction

Abstract

Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) have become an established therapy in end-stage heart failure patients as a bridge to transplant, a bridge to candidacy or as destination therapy, resulting in improved prognosis in this group of patients. However, LVAD patients often suffer from complications, which can result in severe morbidity and mortality. One of the most common complications is device-related infections. Although the introduction of third generation centrifugal pumps has improved clinical outcome of these patients [1,2], device-related infections remain an important problem and can lead to serious complications, including pump dysfunction. Whereas most infections are caused by various bacterial species, fungal infections have also been described [3-6]. We present a rare case of inflow and outflow cannula obstruction due to a fungal infectious thrombus in a patient with a HeartMate 3™ (HM3) (Abbott, Chicaco, Il, USA), necessitating pump replacement.