Construction of an Apical Plug for Explantation of HeartWare HVAD Left Ventricular Assist Device.

Construction of an Apical Plug for Explantation of HeartWare HVAD Left Ventricular Assist Device. Ann Thorac Surg. 2018 Mar 09;: Authors: Shah SM, Teman NR, Dearth E, Yarboro LT, Kern JA Abstract Utilization of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to myocardial recovery is an established therapy for acute systolic heart failure. However, device removal can present a technical challenge with no clear consensus on preferred method. In this case report, we describe a complex patient who underwent successful explantation of an LVAD using an intraoperatively constructed apical plug. This method utilizes inexpensive and easily accessible materials, minimizes ventricular distortion during device removal, and preserves the ventricular sewing ring for future reimplantation. PMID: 29530775 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: Ann Thorac Surg Source Type: research