Biocompatibility of an apical ring plug for left ventricular assist device explantation: Results of a feasibility pre-clinical study.

This novel apical plug for LVAD explantation allows for endothelial and connective tissue growth on its ventricular side within 90 days from surgery. Further studies are required to fully demonstrate the biocompatibility of this apical plug and investigate the optimal anticoagulation regimen to be applied after implantation.