MEDOS HIA-VAD biventricular assist device for bridge to recovery in fulminant myocarditis

Successful weaning from biventricular mechanical support with full recovery of the myocardial function is extremely rare in fulminant myocarditis. We report on our experience with the MEDOS HIA-VAD ventricular assist device. The device worked for 17 days and provided adequate hemodynamics. Despite anticoagulation therapy, we had to change both ventricles because of clot formation on the surface of the outflow tract. After 17 days the myocardial function had recovered and we could remove the assist system. (C) 1997 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.