Left ventricular assist device outflow cannula obstruction by the rare environmental fungus Myceliophthora thermophila

Anesth Analg. 2009 Jan;108(1):73-5. doi: 10.1213/ane.0b013e318187b8fc.

Abstract

Left ventricular assist devices are used to provide mechanical circulatory support during end-stage heart failure either as a destination therapy or as a bridge to heart transplantation. Perioperative transesophageal echocardiography is becoming an invaluable tool to investigate device function during implantation and in case of mechanical malfunction. Most malfunctions are due to inflow graft occlusion, or device malfunction, while outflow graft dysfunction is rare. Here, we present a case of severe outflow conduit obstruction by a rare environmental fungus, Myceliophthora thermophila. After replacement of the infected device and intensive antifungal treatment, heart transplantation was performed 2 yr later.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Device Removal
  • Echocardiography, Doppler, Color
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Heart Failure / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Failure / surgery
  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Heart Transplantation
  • Heart-Assist Devices / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mitosporic Fungi / isolation & purification*
  • Mycoses / etiology*
  • Mycoses / microbiology
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / etiology*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / microbiology
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / therapy

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents