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First clinical experience with the Incor left ventricular assist device
Christof Schmid1, Tonny D T Tjan, Christian Etz
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Muenster, Germany. schmid@uni-muenster.de
Summary
The Incor left ventricular assist device (LVAD) shows promising results in advanced heart failure patients, with comparable transplant and adverse event rates to other devices. Its small size and ease of implantation are key advantages.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Mechanical Circulatory Support
Background:
- The Incor is a compact, implantable axial flow pump designed for long-term left ventricular support.
- It offers non-pulsatile flow and is magnetically accentuated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the initial single-center clinical experience with the Incor left ventricular assist device (LVAD).
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Incor in patients with end-stage heart failure.
Main Methods:
- The study included 15 consecutive patients (NYHA Class IV) with various end-stage heart diseases.
- Implantation involved cannulation of the left ventricular apex and ascending aorta, performed electively or emergently.
Main Results:
- Late bleeding occurred in 4 patients; thromboembolic events, including stroke, were observed in some patients.
- Five patients were successfully transplanted, one was weaned, and six patients died during support.
- Three patients remain on support with good quality of life.
Conclusions:
- The Incor LVAD demonstrates transplant and adverse event rates comparable to contemporary ventricular support systems.
- Advantages include a small pump size, minimal device-related infections, and convenient implantation/explantation procedures.