First implantation of a bioprosthetic total artificial heart for a mediastinal paraganglioma

Resection of cardiac-invasive tumors is challenging, as transplantation is not a viable option for patients with cancer. We report the first implantation of the Aeson total artificial heart (TAH) (Carmat, Vélizy-Villacoublay, France), as a bridge to transplant in a patient with a mediastinal paraganglioma. A 54-year-old man presented with restrictive heart failure related to a paraganglioma. The tumor was invading the right ventricle. No tumor reduction was achieved after chemotherapy. A surgical resection of the tumor combined with the implantation of the Aeson TAH was decided. Embolization of the nutrient vessels of the tumor was performed before surgery to decrease hemorrhagic risk. A positron emission tomography scan at 3 months showed no tumor recurrence. The patient was transplanted 6 months after TAH implantation. No severe primary graft dysfunction or acute rejection was observed. However, the patient developed refractory vasoplegia, which ultimately led to multiorgan failure and death 6 months after transplantation.