Initial Experience With Non-thoracic, Extraperitoneal, Off-pump Insertion of the Jarvik 2000 Heart in Patients With Previous Median Sternotomy

The extrathoracic, extraperitoneal, sub-costal surgical approach is less invasive than a median sternotomy and allows the Jarvik 2000 to be implanted quickly and without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). By avoiding CPB and an extensive mediastinal dissection, bleeding is decreased in these hypocoagulable patients with compromised end-organ function. The decreased operative morbidity and mortality associated with this technique may allow consideration of the Jarvik 2000 Heart for safe and effective implantation in home-bound New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III and IV patients.