Use of the Urchin® Heart Positioner facilitates insertion of the HeartWare® device for biventricular application

Background: Ventricular assist devices (VAD) are a valuable treatment option in heart failure. During implantation, the correct positioning of the VAD within the ventricle is critical to avoid inflow restrictions caused by the septum or a papillary muscle. We report a novel technique using the Urchin ® heart positioner to facilitate exposure of the right and left ventricular apex. Case report: We used the Urchin® heart positioner, a suction device normally used for luxating the heart during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, for implantation of the HeartWare® ventricular assist device in a 75-year-old man. Conclusions: Our technique facilitates insertion of apical cannulas, because the suction device holds the lumen of the ventricles open during the procedure.