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Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become a valuable therapy for end-stage heart failure. In vitro research highlighted a role of outflow cannula position on the pattern of blood flow in the aorta. However, the clinical effects of the alterations of flow remain unclear. We investigate short- and long-term outcomes of patients implanted with Jarvik 2000 LVAD, according to the ascending (Group 1) versus descending (Group 2) outflow graft connection to the aorta in a multicenter study. From May 2008 to October 2014, 140 consecutive end-stage heart failure patients underwent Jarvik 2000 LVAD implantation in 17 Italian centers. According with a preliminary multivariate analysis, we selected the 90 patients implanted in the four high-volume centers to avoid bias (Group 1 n = 39, Group 2 n = 51). Among the groups, no differences were recorded in the hospital mortality and the main complications occurring after LVAD implantation were similar. In multivariable analysis, the ascending aorta outflow cannula position and higher creatinine at discharge were significant predictors for long-term survival. Postimplant hemolysis was more pronounced in descending aorta outflow graft anastomosis. Outflow graft anastomosis to the ascending aorta is associated with better long-term survival, independent of age and perfusion techniques, reflecting the previous in vitro results.

In this work we aimed to evaluate the evolution of our surgical experience with the implantation of a continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD), from the original full sternotomy approach to less invasive surgical strategies including mini-sternotomy and/or mini-thoracotomies. We reviewed all consecutive patients implanted with a continuous flow LVAD at our Institute. To exclude the possible bias related to the device used, out of 91 collected LVADs implants, we selected only those patients (n = 42) who received, between 2012 and 2015, the HeartWare HVAD. The analysis focused on the surgical approach used for the LVAD implant. Most of the patients (95%) were affected by dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy, with an INTERMACS class I-II in the majority of cases (77%). The LVAD implant was performed through a full sternotomy in 10 patients (24%); the remaining 32 cases (76%) were managed with minimally invasive procedures. These were left mini-thoracotomy with upper mini-sternotomy (20 patients, 62%), right and left mini-thoracotomy (7 patients, 22%), and a recently developed left mini-thoracotomy with outflow graft anastomosis to the left axillary artery (5 patients, 16%). The most common adverse event on device was right heart failure (26%). Eighteen patients (43%) were transplanted. Overall estimated 24 months survival (on device or after transplant) was 68 ± 7%. The causal analysis, adjusted by propensity score weighting baseline data and sample size, showed that left mini-thoracotomy with outflow anastomosis to the left axillary artery resulted in a significantly reduced rate of post implant right heart failure (P < 0.01), and mechanical ventilation time (P = 0.049). To conclude, in our series, by applying mini-invasive implant techniques in the majority of cases, mid-term survival of continuous flow LVADs in severely compromised patients was satisfactory. In the adjusted analysis, the left anterior mini-thoracotomy with outflow anastomosis to the left axillary artery showed the most favorable results.

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is currently approved for treating or preventing hemorrhage in patients with hemophilia, Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, or congenital FVII deficiency. Its "off-label" use for massive bleeding in the setting of trauma or surgery has been increasing because of demonstrated efficacy. However, the use of rFVIIa also carries a high thrombo-embolic risk. This is particularly true in cardiac surgery patients, especially those treated with mechanical circulatory support. We describe the case of a patient treated with a biventricular assist device in our center, in whom severe bleeding was treated in a targeted manner, using rotational thromboelastometry to guide administration and dosing of rFVIIa. A comprehensive review of the emerging literature on the use of rFVIIa postventricular assist device implantation accompanies the case to highlight the need for careful selection of prohemostatic agents in this high-risk group.

Limited options do exist for mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to transplantation in the pediatric population. This is especially true when it comes to intracorporeal technologies. We describe our successful experience with the use of HeartWare ventricular assist devices (HeartWare, Inc., Framingham, MA, USA) in three patients

Limited options do exist for mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to transplantation in the pediatric population. This is especially true when it comes to intracorporeal technologies. We describe our successful experience with the use of HeartWare ventricular assist devices (HeartWare, Inc., Framingham, MA, USA) in three patients16 years of age, as a successful and feasible bridge to transplant in patients weighing greater than 20 kg.