Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026

Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
Minimally Invasive Right Ventricular Assist Device Implantation in a Patient with HeartWare left ventricular Assist
Bujar Maxhera1, Alexander Albert, Ralf Westenfeld
1From the *Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery, Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; and †Clinic for Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Abstract:
Many centers reported positive outcome after left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) implantation using a minimally invasive approach. The main drawback of this minimally invasive approach is the feasibility of right ventricular assist device (RVAD) implantation with direct cannulation of the pulmonary artery in cases of perioperative right ventricular failure (RVF). We report our experience with a 41-year-old male patient who was supported with a temporary RVAD using J-sternotomy approach for RVF after LVAD implantation. No technical issue was encountered, and the patient's condition stabilized immediately after RVAD implantation. However, several days later, the patient developed severe septic shock caused by pneumonia and died on the postoperative day 15 after RVAD implantation.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

