Peer reviewed article Endoscopic access closure for direct implantation of valved stents

Objectives: The off-pump trans left ventricular approach provides an alternative option for inser-tion of stented aortic valves of any size for endovas-cular replacement. One of the key steps in this pro-cedure is the repair of the ventricle after catheter withdrawal. This study evaluates the reliability of a new device for sutureless and quick repair of the left ventricle access. Methods: The Amplatz-nitinol occluder con-sists of two square heads that squeeze the ventricle wall between them thus sealing the ventricular defect. In four adult pigs weighing 55 kg, left tho-racoscopy was performed to open the pericardium and visualise the cardiac apex. Following a heparin injection (100 U/kg) under ICUS and fluoroscopi