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Left ventricular assist without thoracotomy: clinical experience with the Dennis method
L H Edmunds1, H C Herrmann, V J DiSesa
1Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|April 1, 1994
Summary
A novel minimally invasive technique provides left ventricular circulatory support without open-heart surgery. This portable, cost-effective method shows promise for patients with cardiogenic shock.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Devices
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Developing effective circulatory assistance for left ventricular failure is critical.
- Minimally invasive approaches are desirable to reduce patient morbidity.
Observation:
- A new method for left ventricular circulatory assistance was developed using the Dennis technique.
- Catheterization of the left atrium was achieved via the neck, crossing the interatrial septum.
- A centrifugal pump created flow from the left atrium to the right axillary artery.
Findings:
- Two patients received circulatory support for 5 and 6.5 days, respectively.
- One patient underwent successful coronary angioplasty during support and survived for 1 year.
- The method proved safe, portable, inexpensive, and suitable for cardiogenic shock patients.
Implications:
- This technique avoids thoracotomy, offering a less invasive alternative for circulatory support.
- The Dennis method is a potentially cost-effective and widely applicable solution for acute myocardial infarction complications.
- Further investigation into wider application in selected cardiogenic shock patients is warranted.