Laparoscopic approach for urgent abdominal surgery in patients with left ventricular assist devices

Despite the fact that the rate of surgical complications mainly related to the necessary anticoagulation has been reported to be significant in patients supported by ventricular assist devices (VADs) who underwent noncardiac surgery, we report two cases showing that adequate peri-operative management of medical therapy and utilization of mini-invasive surgical approaches (i.e. laparoscopy) may limit the risks of morbidity, especially when surgery is required on an urgent basis.