Cadaver fitting study of the DexAide right ventricular assist device

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The DexAide right ventricular assist device (RVAD) offers an implantable solution for surgeons.
• Pre-clinical evaluation is crucial for optimizing device performance and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal cannula design for the DexAide RVAD.
• To identify the ideal implantation location for the DexAide RVAD.
• To assess the anatomical compatibility of the DexAide RVAD with existing left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).

Main Methods:

• Utilized five preserved human cadavers for anatomical assessment.
• Implanted HeartMate XVE and CorAide LVAD models into preperitoneal and right thoracic spaces.
• Evaluated the anatomical fit of the DexAide RVAD, including inflow cannula insertion into the right ventricle and outflow to the pulmonary artery.

Main Results:

• Right thoracic implantation of the DexAide RVAD achieved an excellent anatomical fit in all cadavers.
• The device demonstrated compatibility when implanted alongside both HeartMate and CorAide LVAD models.
• Successful placement of the inflow cannula through the right ventricle's diaphragmatic surface was confirmed.

Conclusions:

• The right thoracic implantation site is suitable for the DexAide RVAD.
• Findings support the optimization of cannula design and implantation strategies for future clinical applications.
• This research provides essential data for the successful clinical integration of the DexAide RVAD.