Exchange of a HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device through Thoracotomy

Abstract

Despite great advances in technology and medical care, device infection and pump thrombosis remain major difficulties in the therapy with left ventricular assist devices. When medical treatment fails, operative left ventricular assist devices exchange is the only curative option. We present a step by step guide to the conventional exchange procedure via lateral thoracotomy as well as a guide to the exchange from an older to a new generation device.