Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
Surgical strategy for biventricular assist device implantation after previous coronary artery bypass grafting
Sebastian Michel1, Christoph Schmitz, Peter Ueberfuhr
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistrasse 15, Munich, Germany. Sebastian.Michel@med.uni-muenchen.de
Insights
For aging patients with end-stage heart failure after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a simplified biventricular assist device implantation technique offers a safer redo option. This approach addresses challenges in complex redo surgeries for heart failure patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Aging populations present increased cases of end-stage ischemic cardiomyopathy post-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
- Orthotopic heart transplantation is a definitive treatment, but high waiting list mortality necessitates alternative solutions.
- Mechanical circulatory support serves as a critical life-saving intervention for advanced heart failure.
Observation:
- Patients with prior CABG and end-stage heart failure require advanced treatment strategies.
- Redo CABG and cardiological interventions have limitations in this complex patient cohort.
- Existing mechanical support options may pose challenges in redo scenarios.
Findings:
- A simplified and safe technique for biventricular assist device (BVAD) implantation was developed.
- This technique is specifically designed for redo procedures in complex patients.
- Successful implantation addresses end-stage heart failure in patients with previous CABG.
Implications:
- This simplified BVAD implantation offers a viable alternative for complex redo cardiac surgery.
- It potentially reduces morbidity and mortality associated with waiting lists for heart transplantation.
- The technique enhances mechanical circulatory support options for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Abstract:
In an aging population, numerous patients who underwent previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are presenting with end-stage ischemic cardiomyopathy. Although redo CABG and cardiological interventions are possible treatment options, orthotopic heart transplantation remains an ultimate option for these patients. However, there is high morbidity and mortality on the waiting list, and mechanical circulatory support is a life-saving concept [Hetzer 2006; Taylor 2009].We developed a simplified and safe technique for implantation of a biventricular assist device as a redo in complex patients after previous CABG and end-stage heart failure.
