Left ventricular assist devices can extend life for select patients with
advanced heart failure. However, adverse events, including outflow graft
obstruction, may occur over time. Outflow graft obstruction is generally
insidious in onset and may result in low LVAD flows and symptoms of
heart failure. In this report, we describe a patient who presented with
acute decompensation requiring temporary mechanical support due to
development of extrinsic compression of the outflow graft after
HeartMate 3 implantation. The acuity and severity of this case
demonstrate the importance of avoiding this complication and promptly
diagnosing and treating it if it does occur.