Outflow graft foreign body reaction and thrombosis in HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device

Outflow cannula occlusion is an infrequent complication occurring among recipients of continuous flow left ventricular assist devices. Hereby, we present a case of a 66-year-old man with a HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device that presented 18 months after implantation and during his admission, evidence of poor left ventricular unloading and forward flow uncovered intrinsic and extrinsic outflow cannula obstruction. The patient’s course was complicated by cardiogenic shock, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and multiorgan failure. Post-mortem examination suggested foreign body reaction as a potential contributor of outflow graft obstruction at the level of the bend relief.