HeartMate 3 LVAD Implant Procedure for Heart Failure
The HeartMate 3™ LVAD implant is a surgical procedure performed in a hospital setting using standard surgical procedures and care. During the HeartMate 3 LVAD procedure, the device is implanted in the chest and connected to the left ventricle and aorta to support blood flow. The LVAD implantation process invovles pre-surgical preparation, device setup, and preparing for patient recovery.
Clinical evidence from the MOMENTUM 3 trial has shown that the HeartMate 3 LVAD improves survival and reduces complications in patients with advanced heart failure.1
Implantation Procedure Introduction
This video introduces the HeartMate 3 LVAD, describing the implant procedure and each of the system components.
Step-by-step Guide to the LVAD Implantation Process
The following is a high-level overview of the typical steps involved in the HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation process. Exact procedures may vary depending on the patient’s condition and the hospital’s surgical protocols.
- Pre-surgical preparation: Patients undergo a full evaluation, including imaging, labs, and consultations. Anticoagulation planning and education are part of this phase
- Device and system setup: The surgical team primes and configures the HeartMate 3 LVAS system, verifying functionality and all connections before implantation.
- LVAD implantation: The LVAD is implanted via median sternotomy or thoracotomy. The inflow cannula is placed into the left ventricle, and the outflow graft connects to the aorta. The driveline is tunneled through the abdominal wall.
- Controller and power system setup: The implanted pump is connected to the external controller and power source. Functionality, alarms, and parameters are tested and verified.
- Post-operative care: The patient is monitored in the ICU for stability. Device settings are optimized, and rehab may begin within 24-48 hours after surgery.
- Discharge planning: Before going home, patients and caregivers receive training on driveline care, power management, and daily monitoring. Outpatient follow-up is scheduled.
Please refer to the HeartMate 3 LVAS Instructions for Use for complete details of the procedure.
HeartMate 3 LVAD Procedure Videos
System Set-Up
This video describes how to inspect and prepare each of the components used in the implant procedure of the HeartMate 3 LVAD.
Setting up the System Controller
This video shows how to set up the system controller for the HeartMate 3 LVAD.
Preparing the HeartMate 3 Pump
This video shows how the surgical team prepares the HeartMate 3 Pump for implantation.
Preparing the Sealed Outflow Graft
This video shows how to prepare the sealed outflow graft, and conveys warnings for what to avoid during this process.
Patient Preparation
This video shows how to prepare the patient for pump implantation.
HeartMate 3 Implant Procedure Overview
This video demonstrates HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation with commentary from the operating room surgeon, Dr. Chris Salerno from St. Vincent's Hospital.
Creating the Driveline Exit Site and Tunneling the Driveline
This video shows the process for determining the driveline exit site, and tunneling the driveline.
Preparing the Left Ventricular Inflow Cannula Site
This video shows how the surgical team prepares the left ventricular inflow cannula site.
Connecting the Pump to the Apical Cuff
This video shows how to connect the pump to the apical cuff.
Anastomosing the Outflow Graft to the Ascending Aorta
This video shows how to anastomose the outflow graft to the right lateral aspect of the ascending aorta in a way that prevents kinking or compression of the graft when the chest is closed.
De-Airing & Initiating Pump Operation
This video describes how to de-air and initiate pump operation for the HeartMate 3 LVAD.
Closing and Transitioning to the ICU
This video walks through how to close the HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation site as well as how to prepare and transport your patient to the ICU post-LVAD surgery.
System Set-Up
This video describes how to inspect and prepare each of the components used in the implant procedure of the HeartMate 3 LVAD.
Setting up the System Controller
This video shows how to set up the system controller for the HeartMate 3 LVAD.
Preparing the HeartMate 3 Pump
This video shows how the surgical team prepares the HeartMate 3 Pump for implantation.
Preparing the Sealed Outflow Graft
This video shows how to prepare the sealed outflow graft, and conveys warnings for what to avoid during this process.
Patient Preparation
This video shows how to prepare the patient for pump implantation.
HeartMate 3 Implant Procedure Overview
This video demonstrates HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation with commentary from the operating room surgeon, Dr. Chris Salerno from St. Vincent's Hospital.
Creating the Driveline Exit Site and Tunneling the Driveline
This video shows the process for determining the driveline exit site, and tunneling the driveline.
Preparing the Left Ventricular Inflow Cannula Site
This video shows how the surgical team prepares the left ventricular inflow cannula site.
Connecting the Pump to the Apical Cuff
This video shows how to connect the pump to the apical cuff.
Anastomosing the Outflow Graft to the Ascending Aorta
This video shows how to anastomose the outflow graft to the right lateral aspect of the ascending aorta in a way that prevents kinking or compression of the graft when the chest is closed.
De-Airing & Initiating Pump Operation
This video describes how to de-air and initiate pump operation for the HeartMate 3 LVAD.
Closing and Transitioning to the ICU
This video walks through how to close the HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation site as well as how to prepare and transport your patient to the ICU post-LVAD surgery.
References
- Mehra M, Uriel N, Naka Y, et al. A Fully Magnetically Levitated Left Ventricular Assist Device- Final Report. N Engl J Med. 2019;380:1618-1627.
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