A Novel Method for Percutaneous Insertion of a Right Ventricular Assist Device

Right heart failure is a rare but often fatal complication both in the pre- and postoperative setting. Right heart support with a ventricular assist device inserted in the operating room through median sternotomy can be a time-consuming procedure that requires a reoperation for removal. In cases of urgent need of right heart support, a percutaneous technique option may be of benefit. We present our initial experience with a percutaneously inserted right ventricular assist device (RVAD) in an elderly patient with severe right heart failure. An 81-year-old female patient underwent combined aortic and mitral valve replacement at our institution. During the first postoperative evening, the patient sustained sudden cardiovascular collapse and a bedside transesophageal echocardiogram revealed severe right heart failure. A coronary angiogram showed thrombosis of the right coronary artery, which was cleared with a suction device. As a result of the patient’s critical condition, it was decided that an RVAD was needed as a bridge to recovery. The patient’s condition improved significantly almost immediately. Her right heart function recovered over the next few days and the RVAD was removed at the bedside. She made a complete recovery and was discharged home. This patient is a prime example that a totally RVAD can be inserted in urgent situations easily and safely under fluoroscopic and echocardiographic guidance. More clinical experience with percutaneous RVADs is required to establish this technique as an alternative equivalent to the traditional open method. Right heart failure complicates many heart diseases both in the pre and the postoperative setting. In cases of urgent need of right heart support, a percutaneous technique of a RVAD is needed for a successful outcome. We present our initial experience with a percutaneously inserted RVAD in an elderly patient with severe postoperative right heart failure.