Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is currently implanted not only as a bridge to transplant or recovery but also as destination therapy. One factor, affecting the device performance and treatment adequacy negatively is the development of aortic valve insufficiency (AI) after the implantation. Herein, we introduce a minimally invasive partial sternotomy aortic valve replacement with an expandable bio-prosthesis in a 74-year-old LVAD patient with severe AI.
Keywords: Ventricular assist devices (VAD); aortic valves; apheresis & detoxification techniques; artificial kidney; cardiac surgery; cardiopulmonary bypass; congestive heart failure.