A novel less invasive single port pulsatile ventricular assist device

A less invasive paracorporeal single port pulsatile ventricular assist device (sppVAD) was developed for cardiogenic shock. This compact sppVAD includes a valved single lumen cannula (VSLC), valveless single port diaphragm displacement pump (spDDP), and portable console. A 33/27 Fr VSLC was fabricated for mock loop testing, a 28/25 Fr VSLC was made for 6 hours sheep testing (n = 5, 44-52 kg), and valveless spDDP with portable console was made. The sppVAD (33/27 Fr VSLC) achieved 6.2 L/min flow in mock loop. In sheep, the 28/25 Fr VSLC was inserted without cardiopulmonary bypass from apex to ascending aorta within 1 minute after apex exposure. The sppVAD achieved 3.75 L/min flow in sheep with stable hemodynamics. Hemoglobin, free hemoglobin, and platelet/white blood cell counts were unchanged through 6 hours. Thus, our less invasive sppVAD achieved total left ventricle support with acceptable short-term hemocompatibility, showing good promise as a temporary VAD for cardiogenic shock.