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Outcomes of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene pericardial membrane implantation in left ventricular assist device explantation and heart transplantation
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  • Kevin R An ,
  • Nicole Christakis,
  • Anusha Jegatheeswaran,
  • Robert Cusimano,
  • Vivek Rao,
  • Mitesh Badiwala,
  • Terrence Yau
Kevin R An
Toronto General Hospital

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Nicole Christakis
Toronto General Hospital
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Anusha Jegatheeswaran
The Hospital for Sick Children
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Robert Cusimano
Toronto General Hospital
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Vivek Rao
Toronto General Hospital
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Mitesh Badiwala
Toronto General Hospital
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Terrence Yau
Toronto General Hospital
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Abstract

Objectives Redo sternotomy and explantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) for heart transplantation (HT) involve prolonged dissection, potential injury to mediastinal structures and/or bleeding. Our study compared a complete expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) wrap versus minimal or no ePTFE during LVAD implantation, on outcomes of subsequent HT. Methods Between July 2005 and July 2018, 84 patients underwent a LVAD implant and later underwent HT. Thirty patients received a complete ePTFE wrap during LVAD implantation (Group 1), and 54 patients received either a sheet of ePTFE placed in the anterior mediastinum or no ePTFE (Group 2). Results Baseline characteristics were similar between Groups 1 and 2. Surgeons reported subjective improvements in speed, predictability and safety of dissection with complete ePTFE compared with minimal or no ePTFE. Time from incision to initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were similar between groups (97±38 min vs 89±29 min, p=0.3). Injury to mediastinal structures during the dissection was similar between groups (10% vs 11%, p>0.9). While surgeons reported less intraoperative bleeding in Group 1 (43% vs 61%), this trend did not reach significance (p=0.1). In-hospital mortality, ICU length of stay and hospital length of stay were similar between both groups. Conclusions In patients undergoing LVAD explant-HT, there was a trend towards reduced surgeon reported intraoperative bleeding with ePTFE placement. Despite qualitatively reported greater ease and speed of mediastinal dissection with ePTFE membrane placement, time to initiation of CPB did not differ, likely because surgeons remained cautious, allowing extra time for unanticipated difficulties.
14 May 2022Submitted to Journal of Cardiac Surgery
14 May 2022Submission Checks Completed
14 May 2022Assigned to Editor
16 May 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
20 Jun 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
20 Jun 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
13 Jul 20221st Revision Received
13 Jul 2022Submission Checks Completed
13 Jul 2022Assigned to Editor
13 Jul 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
23 Aug 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
24 Aug 2022Editorial Decision: Accept