ABSTRACT
Myocardial recovery in patients with left ventricular assist devices is a rare event. Surgical explantation remains a risky and challenging procedure. Alternative percutaneous techniques could represent an effective solution. This report describes the clinical use of a Watchman closure device (Boston Scientific Corp, Marlborough, MA) in deactivation of a HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL).
Subject(s)
Device Removal/methods , Heart Failure/surgery , Heart-Assist Devices , Ventricular Function, Left/physiology , Adult , Fluoroscopy , Heart Failure/diagnosis , Heart Failure/physiopathology , Humans , Male , Time Factors , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
Arterial bullet embolization after a thoracic gunshot wound represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The absence of an apparent exit wound should alert the clinician. Cardiac bullet injuries are mostly fatal. However, in some cases, patients may remain stable, and conservative management can be an acceptable strategy. We present a case report of a 7.62- × 39-mm thoracic stray bullet that embolized to the femoral artery.
