Biventricular circulatory support using single-device and dual-device configurations: Initial pump characterization...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Severe biventricular heart failure (BHF) necessitates advanced circulatory support.
• Biventricular assist devices (BVADs) are emerging as a solution, with universal ventricular assist devices (UVADs) and continuous-flow total artificial hearts (CFTAH) under development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the in vitro hemodynamic performance of two UVADs against a CFTAH when functioning as a BVAD.
• To evaluate device efficacy in various biventricular heart failure scenarios.

Main Methods:

• A biventricular mock circulatory loop was used to simulate left, right, and biventricular heart failure conditions.
• CFTAH and UVAD devices were tested under four systolic BHF scenarios at two speeds, with evaluation of ventricular and atrial cannulations.

Main Results:

• Both CFTAH and UVAD setups met recommended hemodynamic criteria.
• The dual-UVAD configuration demonstrated superior atrial balance for alleviating left and right heart failure.
• CFTAH and dual UVADs effectively managed atrial pressure in moderate to severe BHF, but CFTAH struggled with atrial cannulation for isolated LHF/RHF.

Conclusions:

• Both UVAD and CFTAH systems exhibit self-regulation and excellent pump performance for BHF support.
• The dual-UVAD setup provides superior atrial pressure balance across all tested BHF scenarios.
• UVADs and CFTAH are viable options for managing moderate to severe BHF, with UVADs showing an advantage in atrial pressure regulation.