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Updated: May 31, 2026

Use of Two Intracorporeal Ventricular Assist Devices As a Total Artificial Heart
Published on: May 11, 2018
[Reconstructive surgery in patients with a ventricular assist device (VAD)--an interdisciplinary challenge]
O Frerichs1, M Morshuis, M Schoenbrodt
1Krankenhaus Bethel, Klinik für Plastische, Ästhetische und Handchirurgie, Bückeburg. o.frerichs@krankenhaus-bethel.de
Background:
Ventricular assist devices (VAD) are implanted with a growing frequency in patients with end-stage heart failure. In spite of technical and therapeutic advances, there is still a high incidence of device infections and healing disturbances with a considerable mortality. Reconstructive plastic surgery is able to provide help in erradicating infections and covering defects.
Patients And Methods:
11 patients with device infections and soft tissue defects were treated in our institution. All cases were treated with local myocutaneous or muscle flaps.
Results:
Three patients had postoperative haematomas which had to be revised surgically. One patient had a persistent fistula of mediastinal origin but without clinical symptoms of infection. One patient exhibited an enterocutaneous fistula after defect coverage.
Conclusion:
Patients with VADs have a high possibility of perioperative complications. Therefore a close interdisciplinary approach with plastic and cardiovascular surgeons is absolutely essential.
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