“…16 Pump function and reliability are related to the complex interaction between implantation techniques 17 and anatomical constraints; patientlevel factors such as infection, bleeding, and adequacy of anticoagulation; pump settings; and device design and manufacturing. 18 During the course of the study, implantation techniques did not change, and we could find no association between pump thrombosis and the surgeon performing the implantation (Fig. S8 in the Supplementary Appendix).…”