Intraventricular pledgetted sutures to prevent suction events in patients with the heartware left ventricular assist device

Diyar Saeed; Bujar Maxhera; Artur Lichtenberg; Alexander Albert

doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2013.12.080

Intraventricular pledgetted sutures to prevent suction events in patients with the heartware left ventricular assist device

Ann Thorac Surg. 2014 Aug;98(2):746-7. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2013.12.080.

Authors

Diyar Saeed¹, Bujar Maxhera², Artur Lichtenberg², Alexander Albert²

Affiliations

¹ Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery, Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany. Electronic address: diyar.saeed@med.uni-duesseldorf.de.
² Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery, Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.

PMID: 25087814
DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2013.12.080

Abstract

Suction events are among the frequently encountered issues after the implantation of a left ventricular assist device and may induce malignant arrhythmias. Several factors may play a role in inducing these suction events. A proper inflow cannula insertion site at the time of surgery, particularly in hypertrophic left ventricles, plays a significant role in the prevention of these events. We describe a novel technique that helps avoid future suction events through the application of several intraventricular pledgetted sutures that displace the intraventricular muscle away from the inflow cannula, change the left ventricular geometry, and provide more room around the inflow cannula.

MeSH terms

Arrhythmias, Cardiac / prevention & control*
Cardiac Surgical Procedures / methods
Heart Ventricles
Heart-Assist Devices*
Humans
Postoperative Complications / prevention & control*
Suture Techniques*