Q: Relative has recently received Heartmate 2 LVAD in conjunction with temporary external RVAD. Dr. contemplating surgery to remove leads to external RVAD, but echo reveals dialation of right ventrical.
As it was explained to me, stroke is a high risk with LVAD surgery, which I understand stems from blood clots reaching the brain. I have read that right ventricular dialation in cases unrelated to LVADs can be associated with blood clots in the lungs. Surgery to remove leads to the external RVAD has been probably postponed by 24 hours. What questions should I be asking the attending physician regarding elevated risks to my relative's survival chances? Certainly, my relative cannot maintain a quality of life while restrained by the leads to the external RVAD, so I am feeling that this particular surgery must proceed.
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