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Left ventricular assist device as a bridge to recovery in a young woman admitted with peripartum cardiomyopathy

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Abstract

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are an effective therapeutic option for end-stage heart failure patients as a bridge to cardiac transplantation in those who deteriorate despite maximal therapy and when a donor heart is not ready available. In some patients, cardiac recovery has been reported while supported by an LVAD. In this case report, we describe a 29-year-old female who was admitted to our centre because of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). Despite intensive treatment with intravenous inotropes and intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation she had a persisting low cardiac index and an LVAD was implanted. In the months following implantation the left ventricular systolic function improved and the left ventricular dimensions normalised. Eventually the LVAD could be ex-planted nine months after implantation. At this moment, three years after explantation, echo-cardiography shows a normal-sized left ventricle and almost completely recovered systolic function. (Neth Heart J 2008;16:426-8).

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Authors and Affiliations

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    L. Oosterom

Authors
  1. L. Oosterom
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  2. N. de Jonge
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  3. J. H. Kirkels
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  4. C. Klöpping
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  5. J. R. Lahpor
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to L. Oosterom.

Additional information

Department of Cardiology, Heart Lung Division, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands

Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Heart Lung Division, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands

Correspondence: L. Oosterom or N. de Jonge

Department of Cardiology, Heart Lung Division, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands

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Oosterom, L., de Jonge, N., Kirkels, J.H. et al. Left ventricular assist device as a bridge to recovery in a young woman admitted with peripartum cardiomyopathy. NHJL 16, 426–428 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03086192

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