Discussion
To our knowledge, this is one of the first examples of a case where a
Heartmate3 device has been decommissioned and left complete in situ on
the left side of the heart. Ina previous trials with Heartmate 2
(Abbott), patients were weaned off their devices and subsequently
underwent explant procedures with the removal of the pre-peritoneal
pump, often with abandoning but oversewing of inflow and/or outflow
grafts(7).
Myocardial recovery following LVAD implantation is a known albeit
infrequent occurrence(7). However, with increasing utilization of
mechanical support devices, this will likely increase. In patients
demonstrating cardiac recovery with functional LVAD, weaning protocols
have been developed confirming suitability for liberation from a device
with subsequent surgical explantation in appropriate cases(7).