Sternal sparing bilateral symmetrical thoracotomy for implantation of left ventricular assist device.

Reopening the chest in patients with left ventricular assist devices at the time of a heart transplant is challenging due to adhesions and the possibility of injury to vital structures. The sternal sparing bilateral thoracotomy approach utilized to implant a left ventricular assist device minimizes the chances of such injuries and offers a cosmetically better outcome. We demonstrate a procedure for implanting a left ventricular assist device in a 54-year-old man diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy who suffered rapid decompensation despite maximum medical therapy.