title: Presentation and management of left ventricular assist device inflow cannula malposition.
abstract: An unusual problem associated with the use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) relates to malposition of the apical inflow cannula. From 2005 to 2010, we implanted 154 continuous-flow HeartMate II (Thoratec, Pleasanton, CA) LVADs at our institution. In 4 separate instances, patients appeared to have malposition of the inflow cannula that resulted in serious symptoms. All 4 patients underwent surgery to reposition the cannula. Successful outcomes were achieved for 3 of the 4 patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. carmelo.milano@duke.edu
authors.forename: Carmelo A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Milano
authors.forename: Alan A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Simeone
authors.forename: Laura J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Blue
authors.forename: Joseph G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Rogers
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019300:Medical Errors; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D016896:Treatment Outcome