SynCardia Portable Freedom Driver: A Single-Center Experience With 11 Patients

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Device Technology
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• Total artificial heart (TAH-t) systems support end-stage heart failure patients.
• The portable Freedom Drive was developed to enhance patient mobility during TAH-t support.
• Investigational device exemption studies assess the safety and efficacy of new medical technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the center's experience with the portable Freedom Drive in patients receiving TAH-t.
• To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of transferring TAH-t patients to the portable driver.
• To identify challenges and potential benefits associated with portable driver use.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients who underwent TAH-t implantation and transfer to the portable Freedom Drive.
• Data collection from September 2008 to December 2012.
• Analysis of patient outcomes, including bridge to transplantation, discharge, readmissions, and need for console support.

Main Results:

• 11 out of 30 TAH-t patients were successfully transferred to the portable Freedom Drive.
• 91% of transferred patients were bridged to transplantation.
• 45.5% of patients were discharged home, but 80% of those required readmission; 55% needed temporary return to a main driver console.

Conclusions:

• The portable Freedom Drive is a viable option for TAH-t patients awaiting transplantation.
• Challenges include social support, hemodynamic instability, and comorbidities.
• Potential benefits include improved mobility, quality of life, home discharge, and reduced costs, which require further assessment.