Left ventricular assist device implantation via left thoracotomy: alternative to repeat sternotomy.
Repeat sternotomy for left ventricular assist device insertion may result in injury to the right heart or patent coronary grafts, complicating intraoperative and postoperative management. In 4 critically ill patients, left thoracotomy was used as an alternative to repeat sternotomy. Anastomosis of the outflow conduit to the descending thoracic aorta provided satisfactory hemodynamic support.
Pierson
Richard N
RN
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-5734, USA. robin.pierson@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu
Howser
Renee
R
Donaldson
Terri
T
Merrill
Walter H
WH
Dignan
Rebecca J
RJ
Drinkwater
Davis C
DC
Christian
Karla G
KG
Butler
Javed
J
Chomsky
Don
D
Wilson
John R
JR
Clark
Rick
R
Davis
Stacy  F
S
D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D012086:Reoperation; D013908:Thoracotomy