[Preliminary Results with Implantation of Extracorporeal Ventricular Assist System without Sternotomy Incision]

Temporary mechanical circulatory support device has been highly advocated for severe cardiogenic shock patient. However, standard ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation is invasive procedure for these sick patients. Less-invasive cardiac procedures are known to be generally associated with many beneficial effects such as reduction of trauma, blood loss and risk of infection, and relatively short intensive care unit stay. Here we describe an alternative technique for less invasive extracorporeal VAD implantation.