Massive intercostal hemorrhage after implantation of an intrapericardial ventricular assist device: A case report.

ABSTRACT

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become integral to the treatment of advanced heart failure. Surgical bleeding is a known complication of LVAD placement but is most associated with intraperitoneal pump locations. Here we describe a case of massive postoperative hemorrhage secondary to erosion of an intrapericardial LVAD into an intercostal artery with an associated rib fracture.