Myocardial recovery occurs in approximately 5% of left ventricular assist device recipients. In selected patients, it is possible to electively perform left ventricular assist device explantation after accurate myocardial function recovery assessment. Several surgical approaches and techniques have been reported in the literature that focus on left ventricular assist device removal and preservation of left ventricular geometry. We provide a detailed step-by-step tutorial for continuous-flow left ventricular assist device explantation facilitated by the use of a manufactured titanium apical recovery plug.
Keywords: Minimally invasive surgery; Myocardial recovery.
© The Author 2022. Published by MMCTS on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.