Initial Canadian Experience With Bilateral Minithoracotomy Approach for HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Left ventricular assist devices provide hemodynamic support to improve quality of life and long-term survival in patients with end-stage heart failure. The HeartMate 3 (Abbott, Abbott Park, IL) left ventricular assist device uses magnetically levitated impeller technology, improving durability and reducing pump thrombosis. Sternum-sparing implantation may reduce perioperative bleeding and infection, improve mobility, decrease hospitalization duration, and reduce right ventricular dysfunction. We describe the first Canadian HeartMate 3 implantation via bilateral minithoracotomy. Our case supports the compatibility of the HeartMate 3 device with sternum-sparing approaches and highlights the feasibility of intrapericardial tunnelling of the outflow graft.