Case series using the rotaflow system as a temporary right ventricular assist device after heartmate II implantation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes of using the ROTAFLOW as a temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) support in patients who develop right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) at the time of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation with the HeartMate (HM) II. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients in whom the ROTAFLOW system was used for RV support during HM II implantation from October 2009 to September 2011. Twelve patients received a ROTAFLOW as an RVAD at the time of HM II implantation; 83% had preoperative echocardiography evidence of either moderate or severe RVD. The most common complications in the postoperative period were the need for tracheostomy because of respiratory failure (45%) and mediastinal bleeding requiring exploration (36%). Ninety-one percent of patients survived to discharge, and all were alive at 1 year follow-up. Our results show that temporary RVAD support with the ROTAFLOW system in the setting of RVD at the time of HM II implantation is feasible and effective.