Pump thrombosis (PT) is a detrimental complication of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. There is no consensus on optimal PT treatment. The aim of this study was to present a treatment strategy for patients with PT.

The hospital records of patients who underwent isolated LVAD implantation between May 2013 and October 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Pump thrombosis was suspected in the setting of impaired flow/power parameters and haemolysis. Protocols for the management of suspected PT varied by patient presentation. Parameters that increased the PT risk were investigated by dividing the patients into two groups according to the presence of PT. Preoperative and operative data were analysed.

Pump thrombosis was observed in 20 of 81 patients. All patients with PT presented elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels and higher power and/or low-/high-flow alarm at admission. All patients were treated initially with intravenous unfractionated heparin infusion; three patients did not require further treatment, one patient died due to sudden cardiac arrest, and three patients underwent urgent surgery for LVAD exchange. Thirteen (13) patients received tissue plasminogen activator infusion; eight were discharged without any signs of thrombosis, and three were bridged to transplant. One (1) major bleeding event leading to death was observed. Freedom from second PT was found in 91% cases at 6 months and in 68.2% at 1 year. We found that a larger left ventricle and the type of pump determined the risk of PT.

Low-dose thrombolytic therapy should be considered as a feasible treatment option for patients with PT.