Peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as short-term right ventricular support after HeartWare left ventricular assist device implantation.

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is associated with the risk of early postoperative right heart dysfunction, which may require urgent institution of mechanical right ventricular support. This is conventionally achieved by cannulation of the femoral vein or right atrial appendage for the inflow and the pulmonary artery for the outflow. However, this requires resternotomy with increased risk of wound and device infection, as well as excessive bleeding. We describe the use of peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a short-term treatment of right heart failure after HeartWare LVAD implantation.