Successful Bridge to Transplantation with the Abiomed BVS 5000 Ventricular Assist Device Following Double Valve Replacement: A Case Report

We report the successful use of the Abiomed BVS 5000 to provide myocardial support following double valve replacement. Discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) following aortic and mitral valve replacement was unsuccessful because of severe left ventricular dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmia. Insertion of an intra-aortic balloon pump, initiation of inotropic drugs, and institution of anti-arrhythmic agents were unable to reverse the situation. The Abiomed BVS 5000 ventricular assist device was implanted. The patient was easily weaned from CPB with maximal assist (5.0 L/min) and minimal inotropic (dobutamine 5 mcg/kg/min) support. Orthotopic heart transplantation took place on the fifth postoperative day. The explanted native heart was examined and found to have heavy thrombus deposition on the mechanical valves despite high dose anticoagulation.