Left ventricular assist device placement in a patient with end-stage heart failure and human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) insertion has been used more frequently within the recent years either as a bridge to transplant or as destination therapy in patients with advanced heart failure who fail medical therapy. We present a report of a 60-year-old male patient with end-stage heart failure and cardiomyopathy with a history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who underwent LVAD placement as destination therapy. To our knowledge, LVAD placement in this fashion has not been reported previously. Following LVAD implantation, the patient recovered during the course of five weeks and was discharged home from the hospital in good condition. The patient was alive and free of any activity limitations sixteen months postoperatively. We conclude that LVAD placement for end-stage heart failure may be a feasible option as destination therapy in patients with HIV.