Isolated Permanent Right Ventricular Assistance Using the HVAD Continuous-Flow Pump

Acute isolated right ventricular (RV) failure from myocardial infarction is a rare scenario. To date, there are no assist devices developed or approved for permanent isolated right heart support. We report on the successful implantation of a Heart Ware HVAD as an isolated RV assist in a patient who suffered extended RV myocardial infarction after iatrogenic dissection of the right coronary artery. No manipulations of the system were required to adapt the assist device to the pulmonary circulation. (Ann Thorac Surg 2013;95:1434-6) (c) 2013 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons