Experimental videothoracoscopic cannulation of the left atrial appendix. A feasible rapid approach for initiating left heart bypass?
Rapid implementation of left ventricular assistance without thoracotomy for temporary support of patients with severe, life-threatening, acute cardiac power failure potentially expands applications of such support devices. A thoracoscopic technique for direct cannulation of the left atrium is described. In healthy closed-chest pigs, it proved a feasible method for effective volume unloading of the left ventricle.
Gründeman
P F
PF
Department of Surgical Research, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Meijer
D W
DW
Bannenberg
J J
JJ
Tukkie
R
R
Klopper
P J
PJ
D000818:Animals; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria; D013552:Swine; D013906:Thoracoscopy; D014741:Video Recording