A servo controlled transapical left ventricular to aortic assist device with implantable canulae

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Left ventricular (LV) pressure overload is a critical issue in heart failure.
• Effective surgical interventions are needed for LV decompression.
• Existing bypass systems face challenges in stability and biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a servo-controlled transapical LV to aortic bypass system.
• To assess the performance of a permanently implantable cannula.
• To determine the effect of anticoagulants on cannula biocompatibility.

Main Methods:

• A servo-controlled roller pump system was used for LV bypass.
• LV and aortic cannulas without obturators were implanted transapically.
• System response to changes in left atrial (LA) pressure was monitored.
• Cannula healing and thrombus formation were assessed with and without anticoagulants.

Main Results:

• The system achieved complete LV decompression, reducing LV pressure below systemic levels.
• Servo control effectively managed LA pressure fluctuations, ensuring stable bypass.
• Transapical cannulas demonstrated rapid healing with pseudointima formation.
• Anticoagulants minimized cannula-related thrombus and embolization.

Conclusions:

• The evaluated servo-controlled transapical bypass system is effective for LV decompression.
• The permanently implantable cannula shows promising biocompatibility.
• Anticoagulation is beneficial in preventing complications associated with the bypass cannulas.