An approach to LVAD explantation during heart transplantation.
Reoperations during ventricular assist device (VAD) explantation and subsequent heart transplantation are difficult procedures because of dense adhesions, obliterated planes of dissection, and proximity of the right ventricle to the sternum. We present our approach for left VAD explantation to minimize potential complications that may occur during this procedure.
Moazami
Nader
N
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. moazamin@wustl.edu
Pasque
Michael K
MK
D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods*; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D006352:Heart Ventricles; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012086:Reoperation