Successful Implantation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device After Treatment With the Paracor HeartNet.
The Paracor HeartNet, a ventricular constraint device for the treatment of heart failure (HF), is implanted through a left lateral thoracotomy. It envelopes the heart like a mesh "bag." This method of application raises the question of whether adhesions with the pericardium allow the safe implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) if HF worsens. A male patient who had undergone implantation of the Paracor HeartNet 42 months earlier presented with advanced HF for cardiac transplantation. The patient's condition deteriorated, and because no suitable organ for transplantation was available, implantation of an LVAD became necessary. Surgery was performed via a median sternotomy without complications. No severe adhesions were found. This is the first report on "how to do" LVAD implantation after Paracor HeartNet implantation with images and information about cutting the constraint. Because the Paracor HeartNet is "wrapped" around the heart, concerns persist that severe adhesions with the pericardium might occur. In this case, LVAD implantation after therapy with the Paracor HeartNet was without complications, and the expected massive adhesions were absent.
Schweiger
Martin
M
From the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Stepanenko
Alexander
A
Potapov
Evgenji
E
Drews
Thorsten
T
Hetzer
Roland
R
Krabatsch
Thomas
T
D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000601:surgery*; D013504:Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects