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Updated: Apr 9, 2026

Use of Two Intracorporeal Ventricular Assist Devices As a Total Artificial Heart
Published on: May 11, 2018
Two Coupled Continuous-Flow Ventricular Assist Devices as a Novel BIVAD With One Driveline: Acute Animal Study
Sara Knigge1, Günes Dogan1, Ezin Deniz1
1Department of Cardiac-, Thoracic-, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
The novel DuoCor BiVAS, a biventricular assist device, demonstrated feasibility and functionality in an acute animal model. This magnetic levitation system shows promise for treating severe biventricular heart failure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Engineering
- Biomedical Devices
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Assesses the feasibility of the DuoCor BiVAS, a novel biventricular assist system.
- Integrates advanced magnetic levitation technology for improved performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the functionality and safety of the DuoCor BiVAS in an acute setting.
- Determine the potential of the device for treating severe biventricular heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an acute large animal model (five sheep).
- Implanted the DuoCor BiVAS without cardiopulmonary bypass.
- Monitored hemodynamic and device parameters continuously for 1 hour post-implantation.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful biventricular support with mean blood flows of 5.4 LPM (left) and 5.5 LPM (right).
- Observed proportional flow rates and consistent relationships between pump speed, flow, and power consumption.
- Reported no adverse events, including thrombus formation, bleeding, stroke, or device failure.
Conclusions:
- The DuoCor BiVAS shows significant potential for treating severe biventricular heart failure.
- The system's single driveline design may enhance patient mobility and quality of life.
- Further research is warranted to advance this technology for clinical application.
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