HeartMate 3 Explantation Using Felt Plug for Ventriculotomy Occlusion

Abstract

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) can be utilized for heart failure patients as a bridge to transplant, bridge to destination, or bridge to recovery. Given the lack of a universally accepted consensus for assessing myocardial recovery, techniques and strategies in LVAD explantation also vary. In addition, the incidence of LVAD explantation remains relatively low, and surgical techniques of explantation continue to be areas of interest. Our approach using a felt-plug Dacron technique is an effective way to preserve left ventricular geometry and cardiac function.

Keywords

• lvad explantation
• myocardial recovery
• ventriculotomy occlusion