The initial experience of implantation of the left ventricular assist device “Sputnik” at a cardiac surgery center

Abstract

Aim. To assess the initial experience of implantation of the left ventricular assist device Sputnik as a bridge to transplantation. Methods. The results of the first 11 Sputnik implantations performed at Meshalkin National Medical Research Center (Novosibirsk, Russia) were assessed. The 11 patients (9 men and 2 women) whose results were assessed had severe heart failure and received Sputnik as a bridge to transplantation between May 2013 and June 2018. Results. The duration of mechanical heart support received using Sputnik ranged from 95 to 470 days (mean = 240 ± 119 days). Seven patients (64%) underwent successful orthotopic heart transplantation at 103–338 days after implantation of the left ventricular bypass system. One patient died from hemorrhagic stroke 1 year after Sputnik implantation, and another died from sudden ventricular fibrillation at home. One patient is currently awaiting heart transplantation. Conclusion. According to the initial experience, long-term implantation of the left ventricular assist device Sputnik is a highly efficient and reliable approach, and it can be used as a bridge to transplantation in patients with terminal heart failure. Received 3 September 2018. Revised 26 November 2018. Accepted 30 November 2018. Funding: The study did not have sponsorship. Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.