Results of Multicenter Evaluation of Plug Use for LVAD Explantation

Purpose Use of a special designed plug is one of the recommended methods for LVAD explantation in case of myocardial recovery (IIa in EACTS expert opinion). The study presents the results from the evaluation of the long-term follow up in patients that received a titanium sintered plug after LVAD explantation. Methods In this retrospective, multi-center analysis 67 patients were enrolled who received a titanium sintered plug after LVAD explantation. Information were collected through a questionnaire containing questions about demographics, surgical procedure and the follow-up. Results Date of last follow-up was successfully recorded for 67 patients and was measured in months. The mean follow-up was 29±27 months; 64% of patients presented > 1 year follow up. At the time of the last follow-up 82% of patients were alive, one patient developed plug infection due to infected part of incorporated driveline. Conclusion In this multicenter study, the use of an individually manufactured titanium plug to close the opening of the apex after LVAD explantation resulted in low incidence of plug-related complications. With the volume of patient undergoing an LVAD explantation after myocardial recovery increasing, the need of industry manufactured plugs is evident.