Abrupt flow decline as the initial indicator of early HeartMate 3 pump thrombosis.
Yoshikazu Ishii, Tomoko S Kato, Kazuyoshi Takagi et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A man in his 50s developed pump thrombosis 14 days after HeartMate 3 implantation, presenting with an abrupt decline in pump flow and mild laboratory abnormalities while remaining clinically stable. Contrast-enhanced CT suggested thrombus formation in the outflow graft, leading to an emergent pump exchange. Analysis revealed thrombus at the inflow edge of the pump, underscoring the need for vigilance in monitoring pump function.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
An abrupt decline in pump flow can be an early warning sign of HeartMate 3 pump thrombosis, even in the absence of significant hemolysis or increased pump power.
Why it matters
This case emphasizes the limitations of relying solely on laboratory findings for early detection of pump thrombosis, highlighting the importance of monitoring pump flow dynamics.