SynCardia TAH-t Instructions for Use
SynCardia Systems, Inc.
Page 14
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The atrial inflow connector is sewn first. It is inverted and placed inside
the left atrial cuff on the lateral wall. 3-0 polypropylene is used with an
MH needle with a running stitch, taking care to tailor the atrial cuff and
the inflow connector into a single hemostatic suture line. The suture
line includes both free walls of the atrium, buttressed with Teflon felt in
the atrial septum, which has no buttressing material. A similar
procedure is done with the right inflow connector. The connector is
inverted, placed in the atrium, the suture line is run, and after
completing both suture lines, the inflow connectors are returned to their
normal position (Figure 5).
Figure 5: Inflow connector inverted for suturing (left), finished normal position (right)
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Check for hemostasis with the plastic leak tester made to fit within the
inflow connector. A syringe (60-100 cc) is used to inject into a three-
way stopcock connected with the tester to test the left atrial suture line.
The surgeon places his hand posterior to the left atrium and compresses
the right and left pulmonary veins, while the assistant injects saline
mixed with a small amount of blood into the left atrium. Observe for
leaks. A dental tool is used to break the seal between the tester and
connector. If there are any leaks, sutures are placed at this time. On
the right side, fluid is simply injected into the right atrium under
pressure, since the inferior and superior vena cava are already
obstructed by the caval tapes. Again, closure of leaks with a 3-0 MH
polypropylene suture is done at this time.
