Minimally Invasive Implantation: The Procedure of Choice!

Abstract

The role and the use of left ventricular assist device (VAD) as mechanical circulatory support for the treatment of chronic heart failure has grown enormously in the setting of decreased transplant rates worldwide. This increase in VAD use is based on novel technologies, smaller pump size, and increased surgical expertise. These factors have resulted in minimally invasive surgery becoming the procedure of choice in many centers for left VAD implantation, explantation, and exchange. Less invasive procedures use smaller incisions, produce less blood loss, and result in shorter hospital stays and lower costs. With these techniques, complication rates have decreased, survival rates have increased, and the long-term outcomes have improved significantly. In this article, we describe the minimally invasive “Hannover implantation technique,” which is the procedure of choice in our institution.