Long-term Safety of Minimally Invasive LVAD Discontinuation for Myocardial Recovery

ConclusionsThis minimally-invasive approach for LVAD discontinuation through outflow graft ligation, driveline removal and LVAD stoppage in setting of myocardial recovery avoids resternotomy risks. Despite leaving the LVAD in situ, risks of thromboembolism from residual hardware as well as infection risk to the inflow/outflow cannulas have not been evident.
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research