title: Left thoracotomy approach for implantation of the Abiomed left ventricular assist device.
abstract: We describe a left thoracotomy approach for implantation of the Abiomed AB5000 left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The technique is easily performed and spares the patient a sternotomy in anticipation of future transplantation or LVAD exchange.
authors.affiliation: Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
authors.forename: Nikola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dobrilovic
authors.forename: Donald M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Botta
authors.forename: Peter W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Barrett
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Elefteriades
mesh_terms: D006333:Heart Failure / Q000601:surgery*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*