Minimally invasive thoratec Heartmate II implantation in the setting of severe thoracic aortic calcification.

A minimally invasive approach for implantation of the Heart Mate II left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in the setting of severe thoracic aortic calcification is described. Cannulation of the left ventricular apex is performed through a left subcostal incision with preperitoneal creation of the pump pocket. To avoid outflow graft anastomosis to a severely calcified ascending or descending aorta, the outflow graft is tunneled through the diaphragm, the right thoracic cavity, and the second intercostal space, and is anastomosed to the right subclavian artery. This technique is especially appealing in patients with generalized aortic calcification undergoing LVAD implantation.