Technique for insertion of the inflow cannula of the INCOR left ventricular assist device

Our insertion technique for the inflow cannula of the INCOR left ventricular assist device (Berlin Heart AG, Berlin, Germany) is as follows. The apex ring is secured to the left ventricular apex using eight horizontal mattress sutures with full-thickness bites of myocardium. Another eight horizontal mattress sutures are then placed first through the Dacron felt pledgets (DuPont, Wilmington, DE) of the previously placed mattress sutures and then through the myocardium, the apex ring, and the suture collar of the inflow cannula. A double purse-string 3-0 polypropylene suture is placed on the Dacron pledgets around the apical hole and tightly tied.