Isolated right ventricular assist for postcardiotomy myocardial infarction

Due to myocardial infarction, profound postcardiotomy right heart failure d eveloped in a 51-year-old man after implantation of an aortic homograft for infective aortic valve endocarditis. Despite maximum medical therapy and i ntraaortic balloon counterpulsation, signs of endorgan injury developed, an d therefore a Thoratec (Pleasanton, CA) right ventricular assist device was implanted. After 17 days of support, myocardial and endorgan function had recovered and the fully mobilized patient was successfully weaned from supp ort and discharged from the hospital. (C) 1999 by The Society of Thoracic S urgeons.