Technique for left ventricular apical cannulation for short-term mechanical circulatory support.

The ABIOMED BVS 5000 ventricular assist system (ABIOMED Cardiovascular Inc, Danvers, MA) is the most commonly used mechanical circulatory support device for post-cardiotomy and post-myocardial infarction cardiogenic shock after placement of an intra-aortic balloon pump. We describe a simple and reliable technique for left ventricular apical cannulation for this device, which also facilitates decannulation without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. 2010 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.