title: Right ventricular assist device implantation--a new transcutaneous approach.
abstract: The necessity for a secondary right heart assist device (RVAD) is a disastrous complication in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support with respect to both complications and outcome. We have developed a new technique for inflow and outflow cannulation via a transcutaneous cannula in the femoral vein and a prosthesis-supported arterial cannula into the pulmonary artery, which does not necessitate rethoracotomy for device explantation. In addition to the simplified RVAD removal this transcutaneous approach may reduce the complications in patients requiring RVAD support.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Jena, Erlanger Allee 101, 07743 Jena, Germany. Justus.Strauch@med.uni-jena.de
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Strauch
authors.forename: U F W
authors.initials: UF
authors.lastname: Franke
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Madershahian
authors.forename: Th
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wahlers
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D018497:Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / Q000601:surgery*