title: Implantation technique for the CardioWest total artificial heart.
abstract: The CardioWest total artificial heart is a pneumatically driven device that totally replaces the failing ventricles. It is currently undergoing clinical investigation as a bridge to heart transplantation in several centers throughout the world. A bilateral ventriculectomy is performed and the device is implanted. Blood flows are usually maintained at 6-8 L/min. Approximately 130 patients have undergone bridge to transplant with this device. Patient selection and excellent surgical technique are required for a successful outcome. A detailed description of the implantation technique is presented to facilitate the use of this technology.
authors.affiliation: University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson 85724-5071, USA. arabia@u.arizona.edu
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Arabia
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Copeland
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pavie
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000601:surgery; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000601:surgery*; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000601:surgery; D006354:Heart, Artificial; D006801:Humans