Several patients requiring biventricular mechanical circulatory support in the acute setting will not be candidates for less invasive advanced heart failure therapies not requiring median sternotomy. Temporary biventricular assist device may provide reliable short term support bridging patients to recovery or further advanced treatments. However, this exposes patients to increased risk of reoperation due to bleeding and further exposure to blood products. This article outlines the practical details necessary in performing this technique while minimizing potential complications.
van DiepenSKatzJNAlbertNM, et al.Contemporary Management of Cardiogenic Shock: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation2017; 136: e232–e268. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000525
2.
StevensonLWPaganiFDYoungJB, et al.INTERMACS profiles of advanced heart failure: the current picture. J Heart Lung Transplant2009; 28: 535–541. DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2009.02.015
3.
SaeedD. The Power of Combining the Machines. ASAIO J2020; 66: 504–506. DOI: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000001171
4.
HeidenreichPABozkurtBAguilarD, et al.2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline for the management of heart failure: A report of the American college of cardiology/American heart association joint committee on clinical practice guidelines. Circulation2022; 145: e895–e1032. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
5.
MichelSBuchholzSBuechJ, et al.Bridging patients in cardiogenic shock with a paracorporeal pulsatile biventricular assist device to heart transplantation-a single-centre experience. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg2022; 61: 942–949. DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezab547
6.
JohnRLongJWMasseyHT, et al.Outcomes of a multicenter trial of the Levitronix CentriMag ventricular assist system for short-term circulatory support. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg2011; 141: 932–939. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2010.03.046
7.
CevascoMRLiBHanJ, et al.Adverse event profile associated with prolonged use of centrimag ventricular assist device for refractory cardiogenic shock. ASAIO J2019; 65: 806–811. DOI: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000000893
