Related Experiment Videos
Multigated radionuclide study of the total artificial heart
Insights
Gated radionuclide studies assessed the Jarvik-7 total artificial heart. Post-implantation, ejection fractions significantly improved, demonstrating effective artificial heart function and potential for early malfunction detection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Severe cardiomyopathy significantly impairs cardiac function.
- The Jarvik-7 total artificial heart offers a solution for end-stage heart failure.
- Assessing artificial heart performance is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the Jarvik-7 total artificial heart using gated radionuclide studies.
- To assess ventricular function and emptying post-artificial heart implantation.
- To explore the utility of gated cardiac studies in monitoring artificial heart performance.
Main Methods:
- Gated radionuclide cardiac studies were performed pre- and post-Jarvik-7 implantation.
- Ejection fraction and phase analysis were used to assess ventricular function.
- Computer gating synchronized with the artificial heart controller was utilized.
Main Results:
- Preoperative ejection fractions were severely reduced (LV 10%, RV 27%).
- Post-implantation, ejection fractions dramatically improved (LV 69%, RV 62%).
- Excellent ventricular emptying and uniform diaphragm motion were observed.
Conclusions:
- Gated radionuclide studies effectively demonstrate the functional recovery after Jarvik-7 implantation.
- This imaging technique can identify mechanical issues with the artificial heart before clinical symptoms arise.
- Radionuclide imaging is a valuable tool for monitoring artificial heart performance in patients.
Abstract:
A permanent total artificial heart, the Jarvik-7, was implanted into a 61-year-old male with a severe cardiomyopathy. Gated radionuclide studies were performed in the patient both prior to surgery and following implantation. Preoperative gated radionuclide cardiac studies revealed marked left ventricular enlargement, severe hypokinesis and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 10%. The right ventricle was moderately enlarged with a 27% ejection fraction. Following implantation of the Jarvik-7 artificial heart, gated cardiac studies were performed with a computer gated by a signal from the heart controller. The left ventricular ejection fraction was 69% and the right ventricular ejection fraction was 62%. This compared to a theoretical ejection fraction of 74% for each ventricle based on chamber anatomy. There was excellent ventricular emptying. Phase analysis showed uniform diaphragm motion. The use of gated cardiac studies in humans may prove helpful in evaluating mechanical problems with the artificial heart, such as malfunction of the diaphragm, before they become clinically apparent.