Long-term use of low-molecular-weight heparin in a patient with Heartware BIVAD (HVAD) with underlying sustained ventricular fibrillation

Abstract

We report the case of a 59-year-old patient with Heartware (Framingham, MA, USA) biventricular assist device (BIVAD) implantation who had long-term sustained ventricular fibrillation and was managed on low-molecular-weight heparin for up to two years without any adverse events. The successful outcome in this case provides a clue that the long-term management of Heartware BIVADs with low-molecular-weight heparins could be a viable option even in patients with underlying malignant arrhythmias.<Learning objective: Long-term management of Heartware biventricular assist devices (BIVADs) using low-molecular-weight heparin is possible. This treatment strategy can serve as an alternative to oral anticoagulants in a select group of patients. This case report also suggests that BIVADs can potentially serve as a useful alternative to total artificial heart.>