Total left ventricular outflow tract obstruction due to left ventricular assist device-induced sub-aortic thrombosis in 2 patients with aortic valve bioprosthesis

This report describes 2 patients with an aortic bioprosthesis. Both patients developed total thrombotic occlusion of the sub-aortic left ventricular outflow tract consequent to insertion of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Replacing a mechanical valve with a bioprosthesis in patients receiving a left ventricular assist device offers no additional protection against thrombosis of the aortic prosthesis. Pericardial patching below the aortic prosthesis at the time of LVAD implantation may be performed, but will significantly impede or prohibit the native ventricle from ejecting blood and demonstrating any degree of recovery.