First successful HeartMate 3 in Vietnam: Anatomical challenges of a small, spherical ventricle, and an oval-shaped thoracic morphology.
Thai Quang Tran, Anh Tuan Ngo, Hung Quoc Nguyen et al.
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Case in brief
A 46-year-old female with stage D heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy underwent the first successful HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation in Vietnam. Preoperative imaging revealed a small, spherical left ventricle and an oval-shaped thoracic morphology, complicating the procedure. Despite these challenges, the device was implanted successfully, leading to significant functional recovery at the 6-month follow-up.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights the anatomical challenges posed by a small, spherical left ventricle and an oval-shaped thoracic morphology, which are less commonly reported in the context of LVAD implantation.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider race-specific thoracic morphology when planning for mechanical circulatory support, as it can significantly impact device implantation strategies.
Why it matters
This case illustrates the potential for successful LVAD implantation in patients with unique anatomical constraints, expanding the applicability of mechanical circulatory support in diverse populations.