Implantation of a centrifugal pump as a left ventricular assist device through a novel, minimized approach: Upper hemisternotomy combined with anterolateral thoracotomy

摘要

The role and the use of ventricular assist devices (VADs) for the treatment of chronic heart failure are increasing tremendously worldwide. The VAD-related success is mainly based on 2 important factors: (1) novel technologies and (2) increased surgical experience leading to lower complication rates and better outcomes. Mechanical cardiac circulatory support with the novel HeartWare ventricular assist device (HVAD; HeartWare International, Inc, Framingham, Mass) has become an established therapy for left ventricular (LV) failure.1"3 Within the past years more than 150 cardiac assist devices were implanted at our institution, and the total number of VAD implantations continues to increase steadily. While complication rates decrease, survivals increase and the long-term outcomes have improved significantly over the years.