Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation in Patients with Previous Open-Heart Surgery: Comparison of Median...

Reoperative cardiac surgery is associated with a higher risk of complications due to technical difficulties compared to the first-time surgery. This study aims to compare the early outcomes of median sternotomy (MS) and lateral thoracotomy (LT) procedures in patients with a history of previous open-heart surgery who underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 36 patients who received LVAD implants for end-stage heart failure between November 2012 and June 2015. The patients were divided into Group 1 (MS, n = 18) and Group 2 (LT, n = 18).

The mean age of the patients was 57.2 ± 9.4 years (range: 24 - 70 years), and only 8.3% were female. Demographic data, preoperative characteristics, use of blood products, anesthetic drugs, and complications were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). The MS group had significantly longer operation duration (101 ± 46 minutes vs. 70 ± 20 minutes, P = 0.038) and CPB time (328 ± 79 minutes vs. 265 ± 47 minutes, P = 0.048) compared to the LT group. Postoperative analgesic consumption and pain scores were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05).

In patients with a history of previous cardiac surgery, LVAD implantation with LT through CPB demonstrated favorable outcomes regarding reduced operation duration and CPB time. However, it did not positively impact the duration of stay in the intensive care unit, hospital stay, use of blood products, and complications.