Cerebral hemorrhage in the LVAD patient: A case series and literature review

Medical and Surgical Management of Left Ventricular Assist Device-Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVES

Management of left ventricular assist device (LVAD)-associated intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is complicated by the competing concerns of hematoma expansion and the risk of thrombosis. Strategies include reversal or withholding of anticoagulation (AC) and neurosurgical (NSG) interventions. The consequences of these decisions can significantly impact both short- and long-term survival. Currently no guidelines exist. We reviewed medical and NSG practices following LVAD-associated ICH and analyzed outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of data collected between 2012-2018 was performed. Survival probability following ICH was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Out of 283 patients, 32 (11%) had 34 ICHs: 16 intraparenchymal (IPH, 47%), 4 subdural (SDH, 12%), and 14 subarachnoid (SAH, 41%). IPH tended to occur sooner (median 138 [IQR 48 - 258] days post-LVAD placement) and be more neurologically devastating (mean GCS 11.4 [4.4]). Antithrombotics were reversed in 27 (79%); 1 thrombotic event occurred while off AC. Following resumption, re-hemorrhage occurred in 7 (25%), a median of 13 days (IQR 8-30) post-ICH. Five underwent NSG intervention and 6 (18%) went on to receive heart transplant. Overall, 30-day mortality was 26% (38% in IPH, 0% in SDH, and 29% in SAH), but rose to 44% at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

ICH is a common post-LVAD complication with high short- and long-term mortality, though ICH subtypes may not be equally devastating. Despite this, some may benefit from neurosurgical intervention and do well following cardiac transplant. Anticoagulation is frequently reversed after ICH. Resumption however should be approached cautiously in patients with LVADs given their possible baseline coagulopathy.

Patients with ventricular assist device and cerebral entrapment-Supporting skullcap reimplantation

Effects of cranioplasty (CP) and skullcap reimplantation after decompressive craniectomy (DC) for cerebral hemorrhage or malignant brain infarction in patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support as bridge to transplantation has not been surveyed yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome and management after CP when aiming for transplantation. Data were collected from our prospective institutional database including all patients undergoing LVAD implantation between 2010 and 2019. Six patients needed CP procedures and were included. Our analysis focused on postoperative outcome, survival, and facilitation of heart transplantation. Study endpoints included also all-cause mortality. From a total of 1010 LVAD implantations during analysis period in our center, six bridge-to-transplantation LVAD patients [median age at LVAD implantation: 32.5 years (IQR: 24.8-39.5 years); four male, HVAD, n = 3; HM II, n = 1; HM 3, n = 2] underwent CP with imminent entrapment secondary to cerebral hemorrhage or malignant infarction. Primary heart failure etiology was myocarditis (n = 2), dilated (n = 2), or ischemic (n = 2). Median INTERMACS class was 1.5 (IQR; 1.0-2.8). Median time on LVAD support to DC procedure was 33 months (IQR: 16-48 months). The indication for DC was intraparenchymal hemorrhage (n = 4), subdural hematoma (n = 1), and malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (n = 1). After a median time of 4 months (IQR: 3.3-4.0 months, range; 2.0-10 months) post DC procedure, CP was subsequently performed without profound neurologic disabilities in all patients. After median time of 26 months (IQR: 21-42 months) follow-up, three patients successfully received heart transplantation, one patient could undergo LVAD explantation for myocardial recovery, and the remaining two patients are still on the list awaiting heart transplantation. CP procedure with skullcap reimplantation is feasible and can be safely performed in LVAD patients, which subsequently may even be eligible for heart transplantation with beneficial prognosis.