title: A modified suturing technique for the implantation of the apical cannula of the HeartMate II left ventricular assist device.
abstract: The secure and haemostatic implantation of the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) apex inflow cannula can sometimes be challenging, especially in the setting of an acute myocardial infarction or significant ventricular wall thinning, when the myocardial tissue may be friable and tissue strength may be compromised. In these cases, surgical complications from this site may present a challenge. We describe a modified suturing technique for the implantation of the left ventricular apical inflow cannula of the HeartMate II LVAD that may prevent surgical complications from the inflow cannula site.
authors.affiliation: Cardiac and Thoracic Vascular Surgery Clinic, University Clinic of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany. efstratios.charitos@gmail.com
authors.forename: Efstratios I
authors.initials: EI
authors.lastname: Charitos
authors.forename: Hans-Hinrich
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Sievers
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D002404:Catheterization; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000601:surgery*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D056346:Sternotomy; D013536:Suture Techniques