One hundred patients with the HeartMate left ventricular assist device: evolving concepts and technology

Surgical technique influences HeartMate II left ventricular assist device thrombosis.

BACKGROUND Thrombosis of the HeartMate II (HM2 [Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA]) is a potentially devastating complication. While attention has been focused on anticoagulation strategies to prevent this complication, the impact of surgical technique has not been assessed. METHODS Patients undergoing HM2 implantation at two institutions were reviewed. Pump thrombosis (PT) was defined as ...

HeartMate II left ventricular assist device; early European experience.

OBJECTIVE The novel axial flow left ventricular assist device HeartMate II was introduced into clinical practice in Europe as part of the pilot study and after CE approval in November 2005. In order to get an overview of the use and performance of the device in Europe a group of investigators was founded to compare the initial results. METHODS In a retrospective analysis of the first 101 cons...

Migration of a HeartMate II left ventricular assist device.

Infectious complications in patients with ventricular assist device HeartMate II

Results 82 (77.4 %) patients were without infection, 7 (6.7 %) patients developed pump-pocket infection and in 17 (16 %) patients occurred driveline infection. Patients were divided according to driveline technical implantation to three groups: 58 patients with classic/direct technique, 12 patients with „C-shape techniquevelour coated“ and 36 patients with „C-shape technique plastic exit site“....

Thromboembolic stroke in patients with a HeartMate-II left ventricular assist device – the role of anticoagulation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE It is unknown what the optimal anticoagulant level is to prevent thromboembolic stroke in patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. We aimed to evaluate the relation between coagulation status and the occurrence of thromboembolic stroke in HeartMate-II LVAD assisted patients. METHODS Thirty-eight consecutive patients with a HeartMate-II LVAD were incl...