LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE SUPPORT FOLLOWING CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING : REPORT OF TWO CASES

Abstract

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was effective in two patients with intractable heart failure following open-heart surgery. A 47-year-old female was diagnosed as having effort angina with 75% stenosis of the left main trunk, and a 58-year-old female was diagnosed as having persistent unstable angina with twice percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasties and a stent insertion. In both cases, intra-aortic balloon pumping and pharmacologic support were ineffective at the time of weaning from cardio-pulmonary bypass. Cardiac function improved gradually after the use of LVAD, and both patients were weaned from the device at 6 and 8 days, respectively after the introduction of LVAD without significant complications. Circulatory support using an LVAD is a powerful aid in the treatment of patients with refractory heart failure following open-heart surgery.