Plasmapharesis in Patients with Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Requiring Ventricular Assist Device

Abstract Anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin is vital to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events during cardiopulmonary bypass and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement. However, patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) are at risk of developing immune-mediated thrombotic events. We describe two patients with HIT confirmed via serotonin release assay who were successfully treated with plasmapheresis exchange before LVAD placement.