Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

16:11
Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
Mediastinitis complicating successful mechanical bridge to heart transplantation
J R Rooks1, N A Burton, E A Lefrak
1Cardiac Surgery Section of Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Va.
Abstract:
A 22-year-old man with severe end-stage cardiomyopathy required placement of a left ventricular assist device. Purulent mediastinitis and peritonitis developed while the device was in place. The patient survived a prolonged course of treatment, with mediastinal and peritoneal irrigation and parenteral antibiotics, before undergoing a successful heart transplantation 12 weeks after placement of the left ventricular assist device.
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