Medtronic has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the less-invasive implantation procedure of the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) called HeartWare HVAD System intended for advanced, refractory heart failure patients.
The new approach involves implant of the HVAD System through thoracotomy, where a small lateral, surgical incision is made between the patient’s ribs on the left side of the chest.
Commonly, an LVAD is implanted during a surgical procedure called sternotomy, which requires a vertical incision down the middle of the chest.
