Implant technique for the Jarvik 2000 Heart

The Jarvik 2000 Heart is a silent compact axial flow impeller pump which is now undergoing clinical trials for both bridge to transplantation and permanent mechanical circulatory support. The pump is implanted into the apex of the failing left ventricle by left thoracotomy. A vascular graft offloads to the descending thoracic aorta so that only the left pleural cavity is opened. Power supply, is through an abdominal drive line or postauricular titanium pedestal according to the treatment strategy. (C) 2002 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.