Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
-
Review Case Reports
Thrombectomy of Ventricular Assist Device-Originated Embolic Stroke: A Clinical Decision Model.
The use of ventricular assist devices (VADs) for the treatment of heart failure has become increasingly common. These patients have a considerable risk of cerebral embolism. We describe such a patient and his successful treatment by thrombectomy, compare his attributes with those previously published, and describe the construct of a clinical decision model, whose results bear practical implications for patient management. ⋯ In conclusion, thrombectomy appears to be a safe and effective method (and often the only viable one) for urgent treatment of patients with VAD-originated cerebral embolism.