Hemolysis from aortic regurgitation mimicking pump thrombosis in a patient with a HeartMate II left ventricular assist device: a case report.

Device-related hemolysis leading to anemia is a recognized chronic complication of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). With the increased usage of the LVAD in the management of end-stage heart failure, an increased number of complications are being recognized. We present a case where a combination of elevated mean arterial pressure and development of aortic regurgitation resulted in increased hemolysis, power spikes, and anemia, mimicking device thrombus, resulting in a diagnostic dilemma.