Anterior approach to implant the Jarvik 2000 with retroauricular power supply.
The retroauricular power supply of the Jarvik 2000 (Jarvik Heart Inc, New York, NY) left ventricular assist device is suitable for permanent support, as it is associated with fewer infections than conventional drivelines. Implantation through a left-lateral thoracotomy limits the performance of additional cardiac procedures. We describe a technique that used a sternotomy for the implantation of the Jarvik 2000 with retroauricular power supply in two patients. The retroauricular power supply of the Jarvik 2000 can be provided with an anterior approach, allowing full surgical access to the heart. If the outflow graft to the ascending aorta indeed reduces aortic stasis and thromboembolic events, the anterior approach with retroauricular power delivery might evolve into a standard procedure.
Siegenthaler
Michael P
MP
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. siegenth@ch11.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Martin
Jürgen
J
Gutwald
Ralf
R
Bahr
Roderich
R
Westaby
Stephen
S
Schmelzeisen
Rainer
R
Beyersdorf
Friedhelm
F
D000368:Aged; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000601:surgery*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013249:Sternum; D013908:Thoracotomy