Minimally Invasive Implantation of Biventricular Assist Devices

Abstract

As minimally invasive left ventricular assist device implantation is being advocated and more widely performed, bailout strategies for postoperative right ventricular failure (RVF) become necessary. We describe our surgical technique for additional right ventricular assist device implantation through a third mini-thoracotomy incision. This new technique allows avoidance of sternotomy even if RVF occurs.

Keywords

circulatory assist devices - minimally invasive surgery - heart failure

• References

• 1 Cheung A, Lamarche Y, Kaan A , et al. Off-pump implantation of the HeartWare HVAD left ventricular assist device through minimally invasive incisions. Ann Thorac Surg 2011; 91 (4) 1294-1296
• 2 Schmitto JD, Molitoris U, Haverich A, Strueber M. Implantation of a centrifugal pump as a left ventricular assist device through a novel, minimized approach: upper hemisternotomy combined with anterolateral thoracotomy. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2012; 143 (2) 511-513
• 3 Popov AF, Hosseini MT, Zych B, Simon AR, Bahrami T. HeartWare left ventricular assist device implantation through bilateral anterior thoracotomy. Ann Thorac Surg 2012; 93 (2) 674-676
• 4 Takayama H, Naka Y, Kodali SK , et al. A novel approach to percutaneous right-ventricular mechanical support. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2012; 41 (2) 423-426
• 5 Strauch JT, Franke UF, Madershahian N, Wahlers T. Right ventricular assist device implantation—a new transcutaneous approach. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2004; 52 (6) 378-379