Jarvik 2000 with postauricular cable as destination therapy: first clinical case in Japan.

Currently in Japan, a left ventricular assist device powered by an abdominal driveline is the only type of left ventricular assist device available. The driveline is vulnerable to infection secondary to inappropriate fixation and the traditional Japanese custom of bathing is prohibited in patients with an abdominal driveline. The Jarvik 2000 with postauricular cable is a left ventricular assist device in which the driveline exits the body behind the ear (postauricular) instead of exiting through an abdominal site. This case report is the first to describe the implantation of Jarvik 2000 with postauricular cable as destination therapy in a Japanese patient. This device enables patients to take a bath and may reduce the incidence of driveline infection.