CT Imaging of Complications Associated with Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs)

Heart failure is becoming increasingly prevalent, and more patients are being treated with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), either as a bridge to transplant or as destination therapy. The use of continuous flow LVADs is on the rise. LVAD therapy is associated with several classes of complications, including bleeding, thrombosis, and infection. CT imaging can be used effectively to diagnose LVAD complications, including mediastinal hematomas and pericardial, abdominal wall, and retroperitoneal hemorrhage, inflow and outflow graft and aortic thrombi, and driveline and pump pocket infections.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2uYiIir