Neuroendovascular Interventions for Acute Ischemic Strokes in Patients Supported with Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A Single-Center Case Series and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND: With the shortage of donor hearts, increasingly more patients with end-stage heart failure are implanted with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). LVADs are associated with a significant risk of developing acute ischemic strokes (AISs). Very little is known on about the management of AIS in patients with LVAD, especially with regard to the safety and efficacy of neuroendovascular techniques. METHODS: We identified 5 patients with heart failure and LVAD implants who developed AIS and underwent neuroendovascular interventions at Columbia University Medical Center. Their cases were reviewed for the safety, efficacy of the interventions, and potential complications. RESULTS: There were no significant complications from the interventions. In all 5 cases, there was at least a 4-point improvement in the National Institutes of Health Stroke scale and none of the cases developed symptomatic hemorrhage. Two patients had substantial improvement and received cardiac transplantations. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroendovascular intervention is safe and feasible in patients with LVAD and may potentially contribute to improving the outcome of a disease that has a poor natural history. Further study is recommended.