The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Aug 2014
A minimally invasive off-pump implantation technique for continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices: early experience.
The HeartWare (HeartWare International, Inc. Framingham, MA) ventricular assist device (HVAD) is approved for implantation through a sternotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass. We report on our initial experience with this device implanted off-pump via thoracotomy. ⋯ Our experience was favorable in respect to outcome, safety, and use of blood products. Our technique can be used as an alternative approach for left ventricular assist device implantation using the HVAD.
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Aug 2014
Right ventricular unloading and respiratory support with a wearable artificial pump-lung in an ovine model.
Device availability of mechanical circulatory or respiratory support to the right heart has been limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of right heart unloading and respiratory support with a wearable integrated artificial pump-lung (APL). ⋯ APL device support significantly unloaded the RV with increasing device speed. The device also provided stable hemodynamics and respiratory support in terms of blood flow and oxygen transfer. The right heart unloading performance of this wearable device needs to be evaluated further in an animal model of right heart failure with long-term support.