Trends in HeartMate 3: What we know so far

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The HeartMate 3 is a novel intrapericardial, centrifugal-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD).
• It features a fully magnetically-levitated rotor for enhanced hemocompatibility.
• Minimally-invasive implantation techniques have been developed for this device.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review hemocompatibility outcomes, anticoagulation management, and surgical techniques for the HeartMate 3 LVAD.
• To assess the device's impact on adverse events in end-stage heart failure patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases.
• Focus on publications related to HeartMate 3 hemocompatibility, anticoagulation, and surgical approaches.

Main Results:

• Nine articles from clinical trials, studies, and registry series were analyzed.
• The HeartMate 3 demonstrated reduced rates of disabling stroke and pump thrombosis.

Conclusions:

• The HeartMate 3 shows improved hemocompatibility, reducing stroke and thrombosis.
• Residual risks of surgical and gastrointestinal bleeding remain significant adverse outcomes.
• Ongoing evaluation of anticoagulation and surgical techniques aims to mitigate remaining complications.