A to Z of Left Heart Bypass

Left heart bypass can also be used during aortic surgery to maintain blood flow to the body while the aorta is clamped and repaired. During aortic surgery, the aorta, the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body, may need to be clamped or blocked temporarily to repair a diseased or damaged section. This can cause a temporary interruption of blood flow to the rest of the body, which can be harmful, especially to vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, and liver.

Left heart bypass provides an alternative route for blood flow during this temporary interruption. The LVAD is connected to the patient's left ventricle and aorta, and the pump takes over the pumping function of the left ventricle, pushing blood from the heart to the rest of the body, bypassing the clamped or blocked section of the aorta. This allows for continuous blood flow to the body while the aortic repair is being performed.

The use of left heart bypass during aortic surgery is typically reserved for complex or high-risk cases, and is performed by a specialized surgical team. It can help to reduce the risk of complications and improve the patient's outcome by minimizing the risk of organ damage due to reduced blood flow.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with left heart bypass, such as bleeding, infection, and device malfunction, and close monitoring and follow-up care are required to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.