Intraoperative mydriasis in left ventricular assist device patients. Do eyes never lie?

Abstract

We report two cases of transient intraoperative mydriasis in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients with no profound underlining neurological pathology. Both cases concern females on LVAD for more than 30 months, due to dilated cardiomyopathy, as a bridge to transplant. A possible pathophysiology mechanism is suggested. As LVAD patients’ life expectancy increases, more and more physiological alterations due to laminar flow will be revealed and must be taken into consideration for the better care of this patient group.