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

Publication date: July 2018Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Volume 106, Issue 1Author(s): Shawn M. Shah, Nicholas R. Teman, Eileen Dearth, Leora T. Yarboro, John A. KernUtilization of a left ventricular assist device 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 a left ventricular assist device 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.
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research