The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Case Reports
High-Intensity Transient Signals in the Outflow Graft and Thrombosis of a HeartWare Left Ventricular Assist Device.
We report the echocardiographic detection of microbubbles in the outflow prosthesis of a HeartWare HVAD left ventricular assist device using transthoracic echocardiography. In this case it was a specific sign associated with device thrombosis that resolved after successful treatment with systemic thrombolysis.
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Surgical treatment of mitral stenosis with extreme calcification remains a challenge. Recently, the balloon-expandable valve prosthesis, anchored by radial force, offers a new option for these patients. We present 2 cases of transcatheter mitral valve replacement in patients with severe native mitral valve stenosis and annular calcification deemed too extensive for conventional surgical techniques.