Management of patients with the Intravascular Ventricular Assist System (iVAS) for non-cardiac surgery

Ann Card Anaesth. 2022 Jul-Sep;25(3):349-352. doi: 10.4103/aca.aca_53_21.

Abstract

Intravascular ventricular assist system (iVAS) is an investigative device in clinical trials for the management of advanced heart failure. It works on the principle of counterpulsation, similar to the classic intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP). We present a case of a 66-year-old man with iVAS in situ who required emergency laparotomy for a strangulated umbilical hernia. Patients with mechanical circulatory devices (MCD) are presenting more frequently for emergency and even elective noncardiac operations. Managing such patients poses significant challenges to the perioperative team due to its novelty and paucity of management recommendations.

Keywords: Counterpulsation; i VAS; mechanical circulatory device; noncardiac surgeries; patient safety.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Counterpulsation*
  • Heart Failure* / surgery
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping
  • Male