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AFRICA
lower incidence of bleeding and thromboembolism.
14,15
Second,
Levitronix CentriMag VAD was used as a temporary short-term
VAD as a bridge towards recovery and transplantation, if not the
destination. Unlike with a long-term VAD, it is easy to implant
the device without extensively damaging the myocardium. More
crucially, repairing the cannulation sites during explanation of
the VAD is simple. Third, from the economic perspective, it is
much cheaper than a permanent long-term VAD such as the
HeartMate and HeartWare devices. Fourth, after CPR, most
patients develop pulmonary oedema and poor oxygenation, and
an oxygenator is always required for optimal oxygenation. The
Levitronix CentriMag VAD, categorised as an extracorporeal
VAD, can be easily integrated with an oxygenator, which is not
possible with an intracorporeal VAD.
Conclusion
The Levitronix
®
CentriMag VAD was able to temporarily
provide satisfactory mechanical circulatory support in acute
decompensated heart failure. It can provide better circulatory
support than ECMO. Additionally, it is easy to set up and
repair without causing considerable damage to the myocardium
if a bridge to recovery is expected. In this case, the Levitronix
®
CentriMag VAD was successfully implemented to save the life
of a young patient who had experienced hypokalaemia-related
cardiac arrest resulting from iatrogenic insulin infusion.
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