University of Maryland surgical experience with the Jarvik 2000 axial flow ventricular assist device

The Jarvik 2000, an axial flow ventricular assist device (VAD), is currently under investigation for bridge to transplant (BTT) indications. The principal advantage of the Jarvik device is intraventricular pump placement. This eliminates the inflow cannula and pump pocket and allows for uncomplicated left ventricular implantation without sternotomy. Here we describe the evolution of our surgical implantation and explantation technique.

Data for all patients undergoing implantation of a left VAD (LVAD) (n=35) at the University of Maryland between September 2002 and September 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative patient demographics and clinical status and operative technique and outcomes were reviewed.

A simple technique for enclosing the pump and outflow graft greatly simplifies the explantation procedure and reduces the risk of lung adhesions and injury. Off-pump implantation reduces operative time and intraoperative red cell transfusions but carries a risk of incomplete ventricular coring, which may precipitate pump thrombosis. The benefits of the left thoracotomy approach were seen in the reduced need for intraoperative red cell transfusion and reduced total intensive care unit (ICU) stay for patients who had undergone previous sternotomy.

The Jarvik 2000 has several distinctive features that simplify surgical management and permit flexible application in an expanded range of candidates for LVAD implantation, particularly in patients who have undergone previous sternotomy.