Abstract
Recently, the TandemHeart percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pVAD) has become available as a means to both resuscitate and support patients in cardiogenic shock pending myocardial recovery or definitive surgical or percutaneous intervention. Hypoxia during pVAD support may arise from multiple pulmonary etiologies, including pulmonary edema and mechanisms resulting in right-to-left shunting. We report two cases of patients supported by pVADs in who patent foramen ovale (PFO) present as right-to-left shunts following initiation of TandemHeart support. A review of the mechanisms and hemodynamics resulting in PFO patency during pVAD support as well as suggestions for management are presented.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
