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Rotational speed modulation used with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device provides good pulsatility
Noritsugu Naito1,2, Takashi Nishimura3, Kei Iizuka2
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
|October 20, 2017
Summary
A new rotational speed modulation system for continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs) improved pulsatility in peripheral arteries. The co-pulse mode, increasing speed during systole, showed the best results for enhancing blood flow dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs) are crucial for end-stage heart failure treatment.
- Despite non-physiological flow, CF-LVADs improve patient outcomes.
- A novel rotational speed (RS) modulation system (EVAHEART) synchronizes CF-LVAD with the cardiac cycle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a novel RS modulation system on peripheral perfusion pulsatility.
- To compare different RS modulation modes (continuous, co-pulse, counter-pulse) against a baseline.
Main Methods:
- EVAHEART CF-LVADs implanted in 7 adult goats.
- Cardiogenic shock induced using a beta-adrenergic antagonist.
- Pulsatility index and max dQ/dt evaluated in carotid, mesenteric, and renal arteries under four conditions.
Main Results:
- Co-pulse mode significantly increased pulsatility indexes in carotid and renal arteries compared to other modes.
- Co-pulse mode showed significantly higher max dQ/dt in carotid and mesenteric arteries than counter-pulse mode.
Conclusions:
- The co-pulse mode of the RS modulation system enhances peripheral vascular pulsatility.
- This system holds potential for improving perfusion in both large and small peripheral vessels.
