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Biventricular assist using a portable driver in combination with implanted devices: preliminary experience
L K von Segesser1, T Tkebuchava, B Leskosek
1Clinics for Cardiovascular Surgery, CHU Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Artificial Organs
|January 1, 1997
Summary
This study demonstrates that a portable, battery-powered driver can effectively support both the right and left ventricles in biventricular heart failure patients. This technology offers potential for improved mobility and outpatient care for patients requiring biventricular assist devices.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Left ventricular assist systems (LVAS) with portable drivers enhance patient mobility.
- Current LVAS are often unsuitable for right ventricular support, necessitating complex configurations for biventricular failure.
- This limitation negates benefits like early mobilization and outpatient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a portable, DC/battery-powered driver for biventricular support.
- To assess the performance of implanted right and left ventricular assist devices powered by a single portable unit.
Main Methods:
- Three bovine experiments were conducted using partial cardiopulmonary bypass.
- Two ventricular assist devices were implanted, connected to the right atrium/pulmonary artery and left atrium/aorta.
- A portable Thoratec TLC-II driver powered biventricular support for 6 hours.
Main Results:
- The portable driver provided stable mean device flow of 3.5 L/min throughout the 6-hour support period.
- Heart rate decreased significantly (p < 0.05) post-activation, indicating improved cardiac function.
- Mixed venous oxygen saturation increased significantly (p < 0.05), suggesting enhanced systemic oxygen delivery.
- The battery configuration provided 60 minutes of independence for driving both ventricles.
Conclusions:
- The tested portable drive unit adequately powers implanted biventricular assist devices.
- This technology holds promise for enabling early mobilization and outpatient care in biventricular heart failure.
- Further research may explore longer-term efficacy and clinical applications.