Abstract

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become an increasingly beneficial option for patients with heart failure, especially in light of the insufficient availability of donor hearts. LVADs have been used effectively in end-stage heart failure as a bridge to heart transplantation, as destination therapy for those ineligible for transplantation, or as a bridge to myocardial recovery. Presently, a wide variety of LVADs are being used therapeutically. Four different LVADs have been used at the authors' institution. The records of 42 patients who underwent implantation of 46 total LVADs during a 17-month period were reviewed; in 23 of these patients, computed tomography of the device was performed. Increased use of LVADs necessitates understanding of the normal positioning of a variety of these devices and recognition of potential complications, which include inflow and outflow cannula complications, postoperative hemorrhage, pericardial tamponade, thrombus formation, aortic valve stenosis, aortic valve insufficiency, right-sided heart failure, and infection.