Successful Percutaneous Management of LVAD Outflow Graft Stenosis: Role of Invasive Hemodynamics in Decision Making

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) outflow graft stenosis (OGS) is a rare but lethal complication. We present a case of a 79-year-old male with pertinent past medical history of an LVAD implanted as destination therapy, stage III chronic kidney disease, and hypertension. He was admitted for low-flow alarms, and the echocardiogram showed stable right ventricle function and no pericardial effusion. Invasive hemodynamic assessments demonstrated a peak-to-peak gradient of 90 mm Hg in the outflow graft between the mid and distal ends of the graft on pullback. Contrast angiography confirmed OGS. The OGS was successfully treated with a VBX-covered stent (Gore). OGS should be considered when low flow alarms are found in patients with LVADs.
Dalia, et al. Successful Percutaneous Management of LVAD Outflow Graft Stenosis: Role of Invasive Hemodynamics in Decision Making. The VAD Journal. 2022; 8(1):e2022819 https://doi.org/10.11589/vad/e2022819