Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2004; 52(6): 378-379
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-821321
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Right Ventricular Assist Device Implantation - A New Transcutaneous Approach

J. T. Strauch1 , U. F. W. Franke1 , N. Madershahian1 , Th. Wahlers1
  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received May 17, 2004

Publication Date:
01 December 2004 (online)

Abstract

The necessity for a secondary right heart assist device (RVAD) is a disastrous complication in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support with respect to both complications and outcome. We have developed a new technique for inflow and outflow cannulation via a transcutaneous cannula in the femoral vein and a prosthesis-supported arterial cannula into the pulmonary artery, which does not necessitate rethoracotomy for device explantation. In addition to the simplified RVAD removal this transcutaneous approach may reduce the complications in patients requiring RVAD support.

References

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MD Justus T. Strauch

Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Jena

Erlanger Allee 101

07743 Jena

Germany

Phone: + 4936419322901

Fax: + 49 3 64 19 32 29 02

Email: Justus.Strauch@med.uni-jena.de