An Adverse Event Analysis: Inadvertent Exsanguination Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation in a Child

Abstract

Neurologic deficit subsequent to cardiac surgery remains a cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Although myriad risk factors for postoperative cognitive decline have been identified, their individual influence remains undefined. Although less emphasis is now placed on the heart lung machine as the major source of postoperative cognitive decline, the conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass and, in particular, the management of the bypass circuit remain key to patient safety. We present a case of inadvertent intraoperative exsanguination of a patient following open heart surgery for implantation of a left ventricular assist device. The patient suffered significant neurologic damage. However, the nature of the patient's cerebral injury indicated thromboembolism as the likely cause, rather than hypoxic-ischemic injury caused by hypoperfusion. Subsequent investigation of the incident identified several possible sources and potential causes of embolization to the brain that could not rule out the exsanguination event as a contributing factor.