title: A felt plug simplifies left ventricular assist device removal after successful bridge to recovery.
abstract: In this report we describe the insertion of a felt plug into the sewing ring attached to the left ventricular apex after explantation of a left ventricular assist device. This technique may be faster and simpler than standard explantation techniques and may result in less distortion of left ventricular geometry.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiopulmonary Transplantation, Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas 77225-0345, USA. wcohn@heart.thi.tmc.edu
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Cohn
authors.forename: Igor D
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Gregoric
authors.forename: Branislav
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Radovancevic
authors.forename: O H
authors.initials: OH
authors.lastname: Frazier
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000628:therapy*; D020878:Device Removal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004452:Echocardiography; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery; D016276:Ventricular Function