Staged implantation of ventricular assist devices

摘要

An implantation regime for a ventricular assist device (VAD) comprising implanting a first VAD (13) intended for short term use for a predetermined period of time and then determining whether the heart can operate without further assistance after this period of time. A second VAD (30) intended for long term use may then be implanted if necessary. Also disclosed are percutaneous leads (40) that have surface treatments (45, 47) to enable tissue ingrowth in certain areas and prevent tissue ingrowth in other areas, and an embolisation device (21, 22) carrying a coagulating material (27) for sealing an implanted cannula (15, 16) between the use of the first and second VADs.