Mordechai Findler1, Michael Findler, Ehud Rudis. 1. Department of Oral Medicine, Hadassah Hospital, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel. findler@inter.net.il
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is used as a bridge to heart transplantation. Currently, these devices are being used for longer periods of time than in previous years for the purpose of bridge to life, thus the need for dental assistance will emerge. CASE DESCRIPTION: A female with severe acute congestive heart failure, owing to dilated cardiomyopathy, needed implantation of an LVAD as a bridge to heart transplantation. Six months after insertion of the device she suffered from spontaneous gingival bleeding and sought dental treatment. She presented with several dento-medical problems that required resolution before commencement of dental treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Management of a patient with LVAD opens new frontiers for the dental team regarding treatment of the medically severely compromised patient who may present with multiple intervening medical aspects: profound antithrombotic therapy, high risk of device infection, possible magnetic interference with dental instruments, and even assessment of vital signs.
BACKGROUND: The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is used as a bridge to heart transplantation. Currently, these devices are being used for longer periods of time than in previous years for the purpose of bridge to life, thus the need for dental assistance will emerge. CASE DESCRIPTION: A female with severe acute congestive heart failure, owing to dilated cardiomyopathy, needed implantation of an LVAD as a bridge to heart transplantation. Six months after insertion of the device she suffered from spontaneous gingival bleeding and sought dental treatment. She presented with several dento-medical problems that required resolution before commencement of dental treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Management of a patient with LVAD opens new frontiers for the dental team regarding treatment of the medically severely compromised patient who may present with multiple intervening medical aspects: profound antithrombotic therapy, high risk of device infection, possible magnetic interference with dental instruments, and even assessment of vital signs.
Authors: O Wever-Pinzon; J Stehlik; A G Kfoury; J V Terrovitis; N A Diakos; C Charitos; D Y Li; S G Drakos Journal: Pharmacol Ther Date: 2012-01-16 Impact factor: 12.310