CentriMag left ventricular assist system: cannulation through a right minithoracotomy

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Devices

Background:

• The CentriMag ventricular assist system provides perioperative or postcardiotomy circulatory support.
• Standard cannula insertion typically involves a midline sternotomy.

Observation:

• A less invasive method is preferred for patients with closed chests requiring delayed mechanical support.
• This technique utilizes a right minithoracotomy for CentriMag cannula insertion.

Findings:

• The study details a right minithoracotomy approach for CentriMag cannulae, with inflow in the right superior pulmonary vein and outflow in the aorta.
• This method was successfully applied in a patient with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock post-aortocoronary bypass surgery.
• Notably, this technique was performed without heparinization.

Implications:

• This less invasive cannula insertion may facilitate earlier patient ambulation.
• The approach holds potential for improved recovery in select patients requiring temporary mechanical circulatory support.
• This technique offers an alternative for managing postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock.