Unexpected Restart Failure of Durable Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A Report of Two Cases
- Author:
Hyo Won SEO
1
;
Ga Hee JEONG
;
Sung Min KIM
;
Minjung BAK
;
Darae KIM
;
Jin-Oh CHOI
;
Kiick SUNG
;
Yang Hyun CHO
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From: Journal of Chest Surgery 2024;57(3):315-318
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: The HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD) was widely used for mechanical circulatory support in patients with end-stage heart failure. However, there have been reports of a critical issue with HVAD pumps failing to restart, or experiencing delays in restarting, after being stopped. This case report describes 2 instances of HVAD failure-to-restart during heart transplantation surgery and routine outpatient care. Despite multiple attempts to restart the pump using various controllers and extensions, the HVAD failed to restart, triggering a hazard alarm for pump stoppage. In one case, the patient survived after receiving a heart transplantation, while in the other, the patient died immediately following the controller exchange. These cases highlight the rare but life-threatening complication of HVAD failure-to-restart, underscoring the importance of awareness among clinicians, patients, and caregivers, and adherence to the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for HVAD management.
