Advanced fusion imaging in the percutaneous decommissioning of a left ventricular assist device

Here, we describe the first use of fusion imaging for percutaneous decommissioning of an LVAD. A 57-year-old male with pump thrombosis and hemolysis underwent occlusion of the outflow graft of his LVAD using three Amplater devices. Fusion imaging enabled the accurate placement and deployment of several closure devices in order to achieve immediate pump deactivation. The patient experienced a rapid improvement in hemodynamic and hemolytic parameters, making the percutaneous treatment of an LVAD a reasonable alternative to the classical open procedure.