The authors describe the tricks and traps of minimally invasive approach during VAD implantation, by associating mini anterior left thoracotomy in the fifth intercostal space with a mini anterior right thoracotomy in the second intercostal space, without the aid of CPB in paravertebral block regional analgesia combined with mild general anaesthesia.
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Mechanical circulatory assistance
September 16, 2015
No guidelines for credentialling ECMO physicians exist, so the authors surveyed ECMO programs to determine what institutional credentialling mechanisms consist of. The survey response rate was 42%. 66% of institutions require credentialling, 57% of institutions had credentialling mechanisms, and yearly recertification was required in 16%.
August 31, 2015
Arie Blitz of the McAllen Heart Hospital, McAllen, Texas, discusses ventricular assist device RPM settings to maximize output and effectiveness.
August 14, 2015
The Texas Heart Institute reports its experience with 27 patients with prior continuous flow LVADs who had undergone varying degrees of device explantation. Although the numbers are small, the explantation methods ranged from near-complete device removal to driveline transection and removal.
August 12, 2015
Arie Blitz of the McAllen Heart Hospital, Texas, takes an in-depth look at extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
August 12, 2015
A single institution retrospectively reviewed the correlation of preoperative serum albumin level with outcomes after LVAD implantation from 2006 to 2014. A lower albumin level was associated with a significant increase in postop renal failure and prolonged hospitalization, but not overall short-term and long-term survival.
August 6, 2015
This retrospective analysis of the BTT continuous flow (CF) LVAD experience from Harefield Hospital addresses the question: "What are the predictors of the requirement for an RVAD at the time of LVAD implantation?" Of the 152 patients included in the study, 23% underwent RVAD implantation.
June 30, 2015
In this video, the authors describe their experience using a percutaneous left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to transplant in a morbidly obese pediatric patient with severe heart failure due to viral myocarditis.
June 20, 2015
The University of Wisconsin group analyzed the etiology, costs, and effect on survival of unplanned readmissions after LVAD surgery. At a median follow-up of 11 months, 68 of the 103 patients (66%) were readmitted. The top 3 causes of readmission were GI bleeding, driveline infection, and stroke.
May 10, 2015
This is a follow up study by the investigators on aortic valve opening during continuous flow LVAD support. Their earlier study looked at the rate of aortic insufficiency during CF LVAD support therapy comparing patients who achieved aortic valve opening during rest versus those who did not.