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Updated: May 30, 2026

Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
Implantation of left ventricular support under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Guillaume Lebreton1, Michaela Nicolescu, Philippe Léger
1Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Department, Pitié-Salpétrière Hospital, Paris, France. guillaumelebreton@live.fr
Abstract:
Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are used to manage patients with end-stage heart failure. Protection of right ventricular (RV) function is important during LVAD implantation, but sometimes patients require temporary RV support. We describe the technique of LVAD implantation under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) we use in our center. This technique allows soft loading of the right ventricle once LVAD is started and even short-term RV support if required.
