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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Use of Two Intracorporeal Ventricular Assist Devices As a Total Artificial Heart
Published on: May 11, 2018
Mechanical mitral prosthesis with a short-term left ventricular assist device.
Shafi Mussa1, Stephen Large, Steven Tsui
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Papworth Hospital, Papworth Everard, Cambridge, UK.
Mechanical circulatory support with ventricular assist devices can cause complications in patients with mechanical heart valves. Careful device management may avoid risky valve replacement, improving outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) using ventricular assist devices (VADs) in patients with mechanical heart valves presents risks.
- Thromboembolic and hemodynamic complications are significant concerns.
- Current strategies often involve reoperation for bioprosthetic valve replacement.
Observation:
- This case report focuses on a patient with a mechanical mitral prosthesis requiring MCS.
- The patient underwent a 10-day period of mechanical circulatory support.
- The mechanical mitral prosthesis was retained during MCS.
Findings:
- Successful management of the VAD allowed adequate flow across the mechanical mitral prosthesis.
- The patient experienced a positive outcome without needing redo valve replacement.
- This approach potentially avoids the risks associated with reoperative valve surgery.
Implications:
- Careful VAD management may be a viable alternative to bioprosthetic valve replacement in select patients.
- Avoiding reoperative valve surgery can prevent further myocardial ischemia, crucial for recovery.
- This strategy may improve outcomes for patients needing MCS with mechanical valves.
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