title: Surgical Technique for Replacement of Centrifugal Left Ventricular Assist Device Through a Left Thoracotomy.
abstract: A centrifugal left ventricular assist device can be replaced through a left anterior minithoracotomy with retention of the old outflow graft and apical sewing ring. Technical considerations encountered during five successful replacements are described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. Electronic address: milan002@mc.duke.edu.
authors.forename: Carmelo A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Milano
mesh_terms: D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D012086:Reoperation; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*