Ventricular assist devices (VAD) have become an option as bridge to transplant or destination therapy in many patients (prevalence heart failure in US 5.7 million)
VADs have significantly improved quality of life by NYHA class & 6 min walk distance
2 main types of VAD exist, pulsatile (PF) and continuous flow (CF), with 98% being CF
Both bleeding and thrombosis are frequently encountered complications
Although required systemic anticoagulation increases the risk of bleeding, there is a inherent association between CF VADs and GI AVMs
Hypotension a common complication, which should be assessed by ruling out: bleeding, thrombosis, mechanical obstruction, sepsis, and RV failure
References
Klein T, Jacob M. Management of Implantable Assisted Circulation Devices. Cardiology Clinics. 2012;30(4):673-682.
