THE USE OF LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE FOR PERIOPERATIVE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AFTER CORONARY-AORTO BYPASS GRAFTING : A CASE REPORT

Abstract

A 47-year-old female underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for a 75% stenosis of the left main trunk. At the time of CABG, perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI), probably due to coronary artery spasm, occurred. Intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP) was not effective in maintaining sufficient circulation. We therefore chose to use a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Cardiac function improved gradually, and the patient was weaned from the assist device 6 days after the installation of LVAD without significant complications. Circulatory support with LVAD is effective in the treatment of patients with refractory heart failure after open-heart surgery.