Percutaneous approach to left ventricular assist device decommissioning

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Devices
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) may require removal due to recovery or complications.
• Surgical explantation carries significant risks.
• Transcatheter LVAD decommissioning offers a less invasive alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of percutaneous LVAD decommissioning.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of this novel approach.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of five consecutive cases.
• Transcatheter LVAD decommissioning involving outflow graft occlusion and driveline transection.

Main Results:

• The procedure was successful in all five patients.
• No procedure-related complications were observed.
• Three patients with recovered myocardial function remained alive and symptom-free at midterm follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous LVAD decommissioning is a safe and effective strategy.
• This approach facilitates LVAD treatment discontinuation with favorable outcomes.