How to evaluate the outflow tract of LVAD after minimally invasive implantation by 3D CT-scan

Artif Organs. 2020 Dec;44(12):1306-1309. doi: 10.1111/aor.13777. Epub 2020 Aug 15.

Abstract

During a minimally invasive implantation technique, the outflow graft of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is tunnelled blindly through the pericardium or left pleura, with an inability to assess for twisting or malposition. Three-dimensional computed tomography scan (CT-scan) has a role in qualitative evaluation of the different outflow tract configurations. The different surgical minimally invasive approaches include: (a) mini-sternotomy and left mini-thoracotomy, (b) right mini-thoracotomy and left mini-thoracotomy, (c) subclavian artery access and left mini-thoracotomy. The outflow graft could be anastomosed to the left axillary artery or the ascending aorta. CT-scan reconstruction using syngo InSpace4D (Siemens, Muenchen, Germany) was used to provide fast segmentation and high-resolution images. The 3D reconstructions permit an evaluation of different anastomosis configurations and to assess the route of outflow graft.

Keywords: CT-scan; left ventricular assist device; minimally invasive; outflow tract.

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Surgical / adverse effects
  • Anastomosis, Surgical / methods
  • Aorta / diagnostic imaging
  • Aorta / surgery
  • Cardiac Output / physiology
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology
  • Coronary Circulation / physiology
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / surgery
  • Heart Ventricles / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Ventricles / surgery
  • Heart-Assist Devices / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Male
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / instrumentation
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects*
  • Prosthesis Implantation / instrumentation
  • Prosthesis Implantation / methods
  • Subclavian Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Subclavian Artery / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome