Gastrointestinal bleeding from arteriovenous malformations in patients supported by the Jarvik 2000 axial-flow left ventricular assist device

The long-term effects of axial-flow mechanical circulatory support in humans are unclear. We report 3 cases of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding after implantation of a Jarvik 2000 axial-flow left ventricular assist device. The bleeding was refractory to aggressive management and in 2 cases resolved only after orthotopic cardiac transplantation.