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Updated: May 19, 2026
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Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
Temporary right heart assist: a minimally invasive approach
Simon Schopka1, Assad Haneya, Leopold Rupprecht
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, Germany. simon.schopka@klinik.uniregensburg.de
Artificial Organs
|August 14, 2012
Summary
This study presents a novel surgical technique for right ventricular assist device implantation and explantation, avoiding chest re-opening. This method safely supports the failing right heart and simplifies device removal, reducing patient risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Devices
- Mechanical Circulatory Support
Background:
- Right heart failure often necessitates mechanical support.
- Traditional explantation of right ventricular assist devices (RVADs) requires resternotomy or thoracotomy, posing significant risks.
- A less invasive explantation method is needed to mitigate complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a surgical method for RVAD implantation and explantation that avoids opening the chest.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique in patients with right heart failure.
Main Methods:
- A Dacron vascular graft was anastomosed to the pulmonary artery for arterial outflow.
- Venous drainage was achieved via a cannula inserted into the right atrium through the femoral vein.
- Explantation involved retracting cannulas and suturing the graft without thoracotomy.
Main Results:
- The technique was used in 12 patients between 2006 and 2011.
- Median support duration was 10.5 days, with 7 patients successfully weaned.
- All explantations were complication-free, and 6 patients survived.
Conclusions:
- This surgical approach provides a safe method for right heart support.
- The described technique allows for uncomplicated explantation, minimizing the risks associated with reopening the thorax.
