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Updated: Jun 14, 2025
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Insertion, Maintenance, and Removal of the Percutaneous Dual Lumen Cannula Right Ventricular Assist Device
Published on: July 20, 2022
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In Vivo Testing of a Second-Generation Prototype Accessory for Single Transapical Left Ventricular Assist Device
Florian Meissner1, Michelle Costa Galbas1, Hendrik Straky1
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 29, 2024
Summary
A novel dual-lumen accessory enables left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation without aortic anastomosis. This study confirms its feasibility, safety, and hemodynamic effectiveness in a preclinical model.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Traditional left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation requires anastomosis to the ascending aorta, a complex surgical step.
- A new dual-lumen accessory has been developed to simplify LVAD implantation by eliminating the need for aortic anastomosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility, anatomical fit, surgical safety, and hemodynamic effectiveness of a novel LVAD accessory.
- To demonstrate the potential of the accessory to facilitate LVAD implantation without direct aortic connection.
Main Methods:
- The accessory was implanted in ten female pigs under cardiopulmonary bypass.
- A specialized technique using a balloon catheter was employed to guide the accessory's outflow tract across the aortic valve.
- Post-implantation assessment included echocardiography and ramp testing for pump performance.
Main Results:
- Successful implantation was achieved in nine out of ten animals, with correct accessory placement confirmed.
- Echocardiography showed no significant aortic valve regurgitation post-implantation.
- LVAD pump flow increased significantly during ramp testing, indicating preserved hemodynamic function (3.7 ± 1.2 to 5.4 ± 1.2 L/min).
- Necropsy revealed no valve lesions or device thrombosis.
Conclusions:
- The developed accessory enables left ventricular assist device implantation without compromising pump performance or requiring aortic anastomosis.
- This novel approach shows promise for simplifying LVAD procedures and warrants further investigation, including long-term studies and optimization for off-pump implantation.
