Enhancing Safety in Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: Laparoscopic Technique for Driveline Tunneling

Abstract

Advancements in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) technologies have significantly lowered morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage heart disease; however, they still carry significant risks. Though infrequent, intraabdominal injury during driveline tunneling can be catastrophic. Laparoscopic visualization can reduce these risks, especially benefiting patients with lower body mass indexes and thin abdominal walls. We present two cases of laparoscopic driveline tunneling. The laparoscopic procedure begins poststernotomy and preheparin administration to mitigate bleeding risks. Supraumbilical port placement is performed for optimal direct visualization of the abdominal space for accurate driveline tunneling. It involves careful management of insufflation pressure to prevent hemodynamic collapse by restricting venous return. This approach ensures that the driveline is positioned correctly without injury to any intraabdominal structures.