Pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage in a patient with a temporary external ventricular assist device and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Mechanical circulatory support is increasingly used and may bring about unique challenges. Most support systems require systemic anticoagulation and the need for anticoagulation must be balanced against the increased risk for bleeding. We report the case of a young man awaiting heart retransplantation, who was supported with a temporary extracorporeal ventricular assist device with the addition of an oxygenator. He developed hemoptysis that forced the cessation of anticoagulation exposing to increased thromboembolic risk. We discuss this distinct clinical scenario with no clearly defined solution and explore the risks and benefits of the different treatment options.