Tentacles: a novel device for exposing the heart for the insertion of left apical assist device cannulae

The implantation of ventricular assist devices is a well-established procedure for the treatment of imminent heart failure. The exact positioning of the left ventricular apical inflow cannula is crucial, because inflow restrictions might occur when the cannula is placed too close to the interventricular septum or a papillary muscle. We report a novel technique using the Tentacles 3-point fixation device for the exposure of the left ventricular apex during ventricular fibrillation under cardiopulmonary bypass.

We used the Tentacles, a device originally designed for positioning the heart during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, for implantation of a biventricular Berlin Heart Excor in a 64-year-old man. The procedure was successful and echocardiographic examinations documented the exact placement of the left ventricular cannula.

Our new technique ensures a very precise insertion of apical cannulae, because the left ventricular shape and filling are not impaired.