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Published on: August 16, 2021
First successful bridge to myocardial recovery with a HeartWare HVAD
Clare Wood1, Andrew Maiorana, Robert Larbalestier
1Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Service, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. clare.wood@health.wa.gov.au
Insights
This study shows the first successful use of the HeartWare HVAD device to support myocardial recovery. A new protocol allows assessment of heart recovery without device removal.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Heart Failure Management
Background:
- Heart failure often necessitates mechanical circulatory support.
- The HeartWare HVAD is a left ventricular assist device.
- Myocardial recovery is a potential goal in heart failure treatment.
Observation:
- Serial echocardiography and hemodynamic monitoring were used.
- Metabolic analysis and pump speed adjustments were performed.
- Assessments were conducted at rest and during exercise.
Findings:
- The report details the first successful bridge to myocardial recovery using the HeartWare HVAD.
- A novel protocol was developed to assess myocardial recovery.
- This protocol enables evaluation without device explantation.
Implications:
- This approach offers a potential pathway for heart recovery in patients with heart failure.
- The described protocol may guide clinical decision-making for device weaning.
- Further research can explore long-term outcomes of this strategy.
Abstract:
In this report we describe the first successful bridge to myocardial recovery with the HeartWare HVAD. Assessment for explantation included serial echocardiography, hemodynamic monitoring, metabolic analysis and manipulation of pump speed, both at rest and during exercise. A protocol for assessing the degree of myocardial recovery without stopping the device is described.
