Surgical Correction of Spontaneous Outflow Graft Twisting of HeartMate 3 LVAD via a Subcostal Approach.

Abstract

We present two cases of successful surgical correction of a HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device (LVAD) outflow graft twisting through a subcostal approach. These twistings were diagnosed with computed tomography or pull-back pressure measurement. Technically, a subcostal approach allowed us to access directly the twisted outflow graft and the device connector in a less invasive fashion as compared with a re-sternotomy. Diagnostic modality and surgical tips that address graft twisting are presented within the discussion of these two case studies. The institutional review board of our institution approved this study and waived the requirement for informed consent.