Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to preliminarily investigate the feasibility, safety, and early clinical outcomes of minimally invasive left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation with concomitant cardiac procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of three consecutive male patients with end-stage heart failure who underwent minimally invasive LVAD implantation at our center between August and November 2024. Two patients received the CorHeart 6 LVAD, while one received the CH-VAD LVAD. Two patients underwent concomitant procedures (patent foramen ovale closure or left atrial appendage occlusion) during the LVAD implantation. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully completed without intraoperative mortality or conversion to sternotomy. Cardiopulmonary bypass time ranged from 121 to 214 min. Postoperative echocardiography demonstrated reduced ventricular dimensions, improved ejection fraction, and resolution of significant valvular regurgitation in all patients. The duration of mechanical ventilation ranged from 1 to 5 days, and the ICU stay ranged from 3 to 7 days. No mortality, pump thrombosis, stroke, or reoperation for bleeding occurred. One patient experienced transient postoperative arrhythmia, which resolved with medical management. CONCLUSION: This initial experience suggests that minimally invasive LVAD implantation via left thoracotomy, with concomitant cardiac procedures, is technically feasible and safe in selected patients with end-stage heart failure. This strategy was associated with encouraging early outcomes and provides early clinical data on the minimally invasive application of devices such as the CorHeart 6 to the international LVAD community.