Severe hemolytic anemia caused by the NIPRO extracorporeal left ventricular assist device

A 56-year-old woman with dilated cardiomyopathy underwent mitral and tricuspid annuloplasty, and simultaneous deployment of an extracorporeal left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Subsequently, she developed hemolytic anemia. Although the LVAD system was repeatedly exchanged and the mitral annular ring was removed, her hemolytic anemia did not improve. Finally, the NIPRO LVAD was replaced with Gyro Pump ® , and her anemia was ameliorated. It appears important to consider the possibility of hemolytic anemia as a LVAD-related complication, although it would be rare.