Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

Use of Two Intracorporeal Ventricular Assist Devices As a Total Artificial Heart
Published on: May 11, 2018
Heartmate II outflow graft ligation and driveline excision without pump removal for left ventricular recovery
Katherine Khvilivitzky1, Maria M Mountis, Gonzalo V Gonzalez-Stawinski
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas (Khvilivitzky, Gonzalez-Stawinski); and the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio (Mountis).
Abstract:
We report interruption of left ventricular assist device (VAD) support by way of outflow graft ligation and driveline excision while leaving the pump in situ. In this case, the indication for mechanical assist device separation was myocardial recovery, which occurred following 9 months of support. This case report demonstrates the feasibility of separating a patient from a VAD without the need for a major reoperative intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

