Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Use of Two Intracorporeal Ventricular Assist Devices As a Total Artificial Heart
Published on: May 11, 2018
Complete mechanical circulatory support using ventricular assist devices for post-cardiotomy biventricular failure
Nnamdi Nwaejike1, Pramod Bonde, Gianfranco Campalani
1Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Barts and The London NHS Trust, The Royal London Hospital, London E1 1BB, UK.
Failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a major issue. Proactive use of biventricular assist devices (BIVAD) can successfully treat post-cardiotomy heart failure, improving patient survival.
Area of Science:
- Cardiac Surgery
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Mechanical Circulatory Support
Background:
- Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is essential for cardiac operations, providing a stable surgical field and maintaining perfusion.
- Weaning from CPB can be challenging, leading to significant post-operative morbidity and mortality.
- Post-cardiotomy heart failure is a critical complication following cardiac surgery.
Observation:
- Recent registry data indicate improved survival rates with early ventricular assistance for post-cardiotomy failure.
- The study focuses on the management of heart failure occurring after cardiac surgery.
- Early intervention is highlighted as a key factor in improving outcomes.
Findings:
- Proactive implementation of biventricular assist devices (BIVAD) offers a successful treatment strategy for post-cardiotomy heart failure.
- BIVADs effectively support both ventricles, aiding recovery in critically ill cardiac surgery patients.
- This approach demonstrates a significant improvement in patient outcomes.
Implications:
- Proactive BIVAD use can be a life-saving intervention for patients unable to wean from CPB.
- This strategy may reduce mortality and improve long-term outcomes in complex cardiac surgery.
- Further research into optimal timing and patient selection for BIVADs is warranted.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

