title: A Case Series of Biventricular Circulatory Support Using Two Ventricular Assist Devices: A Novel Operative Approach.
abstract: Increased use of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) to treat advanced heart failure has heightened concern for right ventricular failure after LVAD implantation, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Biventricular support is required in up to 30% of LVAD recipients. Currently, no durable long-term right ventricular assist device (RVAD) has been approved other than the Syncardia (Tucson, AZ) total artificial heart. A recent publication reported the placement of continuous flow LVAD in the heavily trabeculated right ventricle; however, this orientation may jeopardize both assist device and right ventricle function. We describe three cases of right-sided mechanical circulatory support with durable RVAD implanted in the right atrium, allowing long-term support with fewer anatomic limitations as compared with right ventricular cannulation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California. Electronic address: dcork@ucsd.edu.
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Cork
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Hao A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Tran
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Barnard
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Barry
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Greenberg
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Eric D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Adler
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pretorius
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000628:therapy*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult