Concomitant Thoracic Aortobifemoral Bypass With Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Abstract

Improved quality of life for patients after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation can be greatly limited by peripheral vascular disease even if heart failure symptoms are resolved by LVAD support. We present a case of concomitant thoracic aortobifemoral bypass and LVAD implantation in a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy, severe peripheral vascular disease, and multiple previous failed revascularization attempts. In this patient, we used the LVAD outflow to provide the inflow to the femoral artery bypass graft. This graft has remained patent at a 2-year follow-up, without claudication symptoms. Performing concomitant major vascular operations safely and successfully is feasible in patients with LVADs. Quality of life after ventricular assist device placement can be limited by vascular disease, but it can be markedly improved after vascular surgical intervention.