Minimally Invasive versus Conventional LVAD-Implantation-An Analysis of the Literature.

This review aims to provide an overview on recent data to evaluate minimally invasive (MVAD) and conventional (CVAD) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted up to April 2017. A total of 183 studies were identified; 13 studies met inclusion criteria. The review revealed a trend toward a lower rate of transfusion, and shorter time for cardiopulmonary bypass, as well as a lower 30-day mortality rate for MVAD. This review indicates that there are possible benefits of minimally invasive LVAD implantation, even though the state of literature is poor.