The use of long-term mechanical assist devices for isolated right ventricular failure is rare. Herein, we describe our protocol for successful recovery of the right ventricle and subsequent explantation of a right ventricular assist device using a sternum-sparing technique and insertion of a titanium plug to occlude the coring defect of the inflow cannula.
Keywords: Explant; Right ventricular assist device; Sternum-sparing technique.
© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.