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Flight experience with the Novacor LVAS
J M Pristas1, J Lee, D R Wheeldon
1World Heart, Inc., Oakland, California 94621, USA.
ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|May 26, 2001
Summary
Novacor Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAS) recipients can safely travel by air. Testing confirmed no adverse effects on the device or aircraft systems during air transport, ensuring patient safety and operational integrity.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Devices
- Aerospace Medicine
Background:
- Increasing number of patients require air travel post-discharge while awaiting cardiac transplantation.
- Novacor Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAS) recipients face logistical challenges with air transportation.
- Previous reports detail limited test experiences with LVAS during air travel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and compatibility of the Novacor LVAS during air transportation.
- To evaluate potential impacts of air travel on LVAS function and aircraft systems.
- To provide data supporting the air travel of LVAS recipients.
Main Methods:
- Conducted field tests with Novacor LVAS in a mock circulatory loop on medical helicopters and commercial flights.
- Performed laboratory testing of electromagnetic emissions from the Novacor LVAS.
- Monitored LVAS performance and aircraft instrumentation during simulated and actual flight conditions.
Main Results:
- No adverse effects observed on Novacor LVAS equipment or aircraft systems during mock loop testing.
- Over 37 commercial air transports completed by LVAS recipients without incident.
- Novacor LVAS emissions are below International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR 11) limits, ensuring no interference with aircraft instrumentation.
Conclusions:
- The Novacor LVAS is safe for air transportation.
- No electromagnetic interference was detected between the LVAS and aircraft systems.
- Findings support the safe air travel of cardiac patients with Novacor LVAS.