Novel Cannulation Technique for Temporary Right Ventricular Assist Device After Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement

DisclosureThis presentation describes the off-label use of the Centrimag™ Ventricular Assist Device (Abbott).ObjectivesRight ventricular (RV) failure is a life-threatening complication after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Increasingly, temporary right ventricular assist devices (RVAD) are used to support postoperative right heart failure and cardiogenic shock. Typically, temporary RVAD placement is limited by the need for delayed sternal closure, reoperative sternotomy for removal, or restricted patient mobility due to a femoral venous catheter.MethodsThe authors describe a novel technique for the placement of a temporary RVAD that does not rely on femoral central venous access and can be discontinued using conscious sedation and local anesthetic.ResultsA durable LVAD is placed through a median sternotomy after initiation of central cardiopulmonary bypass. In the case of RV failure, an 8 mm Dacron graft is anastomosed to the main pulmonary artery and a 14 mm Dacron graft is sewn to the right atrial appendage. The conduits are then tunneled out through the skin between the 2nd and 3rd rib spaces bilaterally. Cannulae for the extracorporeal RVAD are then placed through the conduits using echocardiographic guidance for optimal positioning. Cardiopulmonary bypass is weaned as both VAD flows are titrated, and the sternum is closed in the standard fashion. Patients are transported to the intensive care unit (ICU) where they are extubated and vasoactive infusions are weaned as tolerated. Patients are mobilized and begin physical rehabilitation on postoperative day one. When right ventricular support is no longer required, the cannulae are removed using minimal sedation and local anesthetic.ConclusionThe authors report a novel technique for temporary right ventricular support after LVAD placement that allows for early patient mobilization and can be discontinued in the ICU.This educational video was originally presented during the STSA 65th Annual Meeting. This content is published with the permission of the STSA. For more information on the STSA and its next Annual Meeting, please click here.