Background: Intracranial hemorrhages associated with new generation left ventricular assist devices
(LVAD) are increasingly reported as the use of these life saving devices is becoming more common, but
few data are currently available to guide the acute management of these critically ill patients.
Methods: This is a case presentation of a 33-year-old woman status post LVAD implantation on
therapeutic anticoagulation who developed acute headache followed by rapidly progressive impairment
of consciousness secondary to spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage and hydrocephalus.
Results: After discontinuation of heparin infusion, the patient underwent external ventricular drain
placement(EVD)and her mental status fully recovered. Her work-up was negative for aneurysmal
sources of bleeding. She received daily aspirin for 7 days for antiplatelet effect during which she did not
experience any thromboembolic events related to the LVAD. At day 6 the EVD was clamped for 24 hours
and her neurological exam remained intact. The EVD was removed and she was restarted on heparin
infusion without further complications.
Conclusions: Our experience suggests that in case of subarachnoid hemorrhage in patients with
LVADs, temporary suspension of anticoagulation and EVD placement is safe and can lead to good
neurological outcome.
© 2014