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Updated: Aug 6, 2025

Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
A heart transplant under temporary paracorporeal biventricular circulatory support
Robert Pruna-Guillen1, Elena Sandoval Martínez2, Jorge Alcocer1
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Institut Cardiovascular, Hospital Clìnic, 170th Villarroel St., 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
Mechanical circulatory support as a strategy for a bridge to a heart transplant for patients with end-stage heart failure is increasing. A heart transplant following short-term support is a challenging procedure with many particularities. In this video tutorial, we present a 44-year-old patient who was bridged to a heart transplant with biventricular short-term paracorporeal support. The patient, who had dilated non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, suffered an arrhythmic storm and was refractory to medical treatment and multiple ablation attempts. At the time the support was initiated, he was sarcopenic due to cardiac cachexia. He received a heart from a suitable donor after 10 days on mechanical circulatory support.
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