Reoperation for the implantation of Corheart 6 biventricular assist devices due to severe right ventricular failure and aortic regurgitation following left ventricular assist device implantation.

Abstract

Background: We present the case of a 68-year-old patient who underwent secondary thoracotomy, implantation of a continuous-flow ventricular assist device (VAD) in a biventricular configuration, and aortic valve replacement (AVR) 2 years after receiving a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), due to right ventricular failure, moderate aortic insufficiency, and damage to the original LVAD device cable.

Case report: The patient initially received a Corheart 6 LVAD, CABG, and tricuspid annuloplasty due to end-stage heart failure resulting from ischemic cardiomyopathy and severe tricuspid regurgitation. Following the surgery, the patient was discharged with favorable outcomes. However, 2 years later, the patient was readmitted with severe right heart failure. Given the current shortage of heart donors, the decision was made to implant a Corheart 6 biventricular VAD (BiVAD) as destination therapy.

Conclusion: Severe right ventricular failure is a well-recognized complication following continuous-flow LVAD implantation. In this case, it was successfully managed with BiVADs as destination therapy for this high-risk patient.