title: Minimally invasive implantation of biventricular assist devices.
abstract: As minimally invasive left ventricular assist device implantation is being advocated and more widely performed, bailout strategies for postoperative right ventricular failure (RVF) become necessary. We describe our surgical technique for additional right ventricular assist device implantation through a third mini-thoracotomy incision. This new technique allows avoidance of sternotomy even if RVF occurs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Deuse
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Hermann
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Reichenspurner
mesh_terms: D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000601:surgery*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods; D018497:Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / Q000601:surgery