Simplified method of heterotopic cardiac transplantation for left ventricular assist
Schaff, H.V.; Tago, M.; Gersh, B.J.; Pluth, J.R.; Fetter, J.; Kaye, M.P.
Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 85(3): 434-439
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5223 PMID: 6338302 Document Number: 215405
A method of heterotopic cardiac transplantation has been developed which is performed through a left thoracotomy and requires only two vascular anastomoses. Systemic heparinization and cardiopulmonary bypass are not necessary. Preliminary experiments demonstrated that this heterotopic transplant technique was effective for left ventricular assist; in some experiments, a multimode atrioventricular programmable pacemaker was used to provide sequential pacing for "counterpulsation." This technique or similar techniques may have potential clinical benefit for patients with intractable left ventricular failure.