Accelerated LVAD pump thrombosis in COVID-19 patient: Case report and mini review

Background Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection exposes patients with heart failure specially who are on mechanical support to a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Aims To investigate the impact of COVID-19 infection on left ventricular assist device (LVAD) thrombosis in heart failure patients. Materials & Methods We searched the medical electronic records, Medline, PubMed and Cochrane databases for; (LVAD) AND (thrombosis)) AND (covid-19)) AND (heart failure). We divided cases reported into, LVAD thrombosis with COVID-19 infection and compare them with LVAD thrombosis without COVID-19 infection. Demographic data, LVAD device, presentation, treatment and outcomes were reviewed in all the LVAD thrombosis patients. Results In addition to our case, 8 other cases of LVAD thrombosis associated with COVID and 9 cases of LVAD thrombosis without covid infection were found. Patients with Covid infection had worse presentation and outcomes (3 deaths VS. 1 death in non-covid group). Discussion In LVAD patients, pump malfunction due to thrombus development in the inflow cannula, device body, or outflow graft can result in hemodynamic instability, hemolysis and other life-threatening complications. COVID infection significantly increases the risk of mortality in LVAD patient by accelerating the pump thrombosis due to elevated levels of endothelial protein C receptor and thrombomodulin along with procoagulants such as factor VIII, P-selectin, and von Willebrand factor. Conclusion Significant morbidity and mortality are attributed to LVAD thrombosis, which are exasperated by prothrombotic conditions created in COVID-19 infections.

Automated summary

COVID-19 infection increases the risk of LVAD thrombosis in heart failure patients, leading to worse outcomes for those infected.