Left Ventricular Assist Device Thrombosis-Amiodarone-Induced Hyperthyroidism: Causal Link?

Ventricular arrhythmias occurs in 20-50% of patients supported with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). Ventricular arrhythmias are well tolerated with LVAD support but long-term consequences include worsening right ventricular function. Management of ventricular arrhythmias in LVAD patients includes use of antiarrhythmic agents or ablation.

Use of an intraperitoneal ventricular assist device with a polytetrafluoroethylene barrier decreases infections.

Background: Infection rates for ventricular assist devices (VADs) are improving but the presence of infections remains problematic. Intraperitoneal pump placement may decrease the rate of infection.

Methods: This study is a single-institution, retrospective comparison of infections for an extraperitoneal vs an intraperitoneal position with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet separating the VAD from visceral organs.