SynCardia TAH-t Instructions for Use
SynCardia Systems, Inc.
Page 15
7.5 Outflow
Connectors
•
Great vessel connections are made. The pulmonary artery anastomosis
is made first. The lengths of the outflow connectors are determined by
placing the artificial ventricles in position within the pericardial cavity.
Place the outflow connector between the aortic or pulmonic valve and
its respective great vessel and measure the
distance. Cut outflow
connectors to the appropriate lengths, usually 3 to 5 cm.
•
The pulmonary artery anastomosis is made with a running 4-0
polypropylene suture in an end-to-end fashion, beginning with lateral
wall and running the back wall of the anastomosis from the inside
(Figure 6).
Figure 6: Outflow Connector Suturing
•
A similar anastomosis is made with the aortic suture line. Then, the
outflow connector leak tester is used, which is inserted into the aortic
outflow connector. Saline is injected under pressure, observed for
leaks, and then any leaks are closed with a 4-0 polypropylene suture.
The pulmonary artery needs to be cross-clamped in order to test the
integrity of the pulmonary artery to connector anastomosis. The
pulmonary artery and aortic tester is the same, but smaller, than the one
utilized for the atrial inflow connector.
