Surgical Procedures 
All the patients received a HeartMate 3  continuous-flow LVAD. Patients underwent LVAD implantation through a median sternotomy with systemic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), during which the inflow cannula was inserted into the apex of the left ventricle, and the outflow graft was anastomosed to the ascending aorta. Three patients with at least mild aortic insufficiency received aortic valve replacement with a tissue valve. In four patients with mild or moderate tricuspid regurgitation a concomitant tricuspid valve repair was conducted by implanting 28 mm Contour 3D™Medtronic annuloplasty rings were implanted. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of CPB time that resulted 75,6 ± 23,7 minutes for RVF + group and 85,0 ± 44,5 minutes for RVF – group (p=0,371). Early right ventricular failure occurred in three patients requiring temporary right ventricular support instituted through femoral-pulmonary cannulation. All three patients were successfully weaned from RV support after a mean time of 8,5 ± 2,7 days.