Use of Right Ventricular Assisted Device for Right Heart Failure in a Patient With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the common etiologies of acute right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) with or without right heart failure (RHF). We present a case of a 40-year-old patient who developed severe ARDS due to massive aspiration of gastric content, secondary to predisposing anatomy of his post-surgical upper gastrointestinal tract. He subsequently developed right ventricular failure. He was treated with a right ventricular mechanical device. Despite all heroic measures, the young patient lost the battle of his life.