HeartMate 3 Implantation Through Left Atrial e-PTFE Conduit for Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy present a challenge to left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement due to the small left ventricle cavity. Cases have described inflow cannulation of the HeartWare hVAD via e-PTFE conduit through the atrial septum to the left atrium. We applied this technique to an adult male with restrictive cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension using the HeartMate 3 (HM3), which successfully supported the patient and led to significant reduction in pulmonary artery pressure. He was transplanted three months later without complications. For select patients, left atrial conduit for HM3 inflow is a feasible alternative to conventional apical cannulation.