Staged Cardiac and Aortic Aneurysm Surgery Using Ventricular Assist Device

Abstract

A two-stage procedure involving coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement followed by abdominal aortic aneurysm repair two days later was performed on a 51-year-old man with severely depressed left ventricular function. The patient was supported with a left ventricular assist device as a short-term bridge between the two stages of surgery. This strategy may be a useful alternative to a one-stage operation in high-risk patients.