Treatment of ventricular assist-device-associated gastrointestinal bleeding with hormonal therapy

摘要

GASTROINTESTINAL (GI) BLEEDING is a frequent complication after implantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). A review of case reports and case series by Islam et al reported an average incidence of 20.5%, with a reported range of 40% to 44%. GI bleeding may occur up to 10 times more frequently with nonpulsatile devices than pulsatile devices. The site of bleeding varies among LVAD patients and may occur with similar frequency from upper and lower GI sources. This problem is important because patients with LVADs require anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy for reduction of thromboembolic risk.