ASAIO Journal 2014

A Novel Pediatric Biventricular Assist Device: In Vitro Test Results Stéphanie F. Perrodin and Piergiorgio Tozzi

Most ventricular assist devices (VADs) currently used in infants are extracorporeal. These VADs require long-term anticoagulation therapy and extensive surgery, and two devices are needed for biventricular support. We designed a biventricular assist device based on shape memory alloy that reproduces the hemodynamic effects of cardiomyoplasty, supporting the heart with a compressing movement, and evaluated its performance in a dedicated mockup system. Nitinol fibers are the device’s key component. Ejection fraction (EF), cardiac output (CO), and generated systolic pressure were measured on a test bench. Our test bench settings were a preload range of 0–15 mm Hg, an afterload range of 0–160 mm Hg, and a heart rate (HR) of 20, 30, 40, and 60 beats/min. A power supply of 15 volts and 3.5 amperes was necessary. The EF range went from 34.4% to 1.2% as the afterload and HR increased, along with a CO from 180 to 6 ml/min. The device generated a maximal systolic pressure of 25 mm Hg. Cardiac compression for biventricular assistance in child-sized heart using shape memory alloy is technically feasible. Further testing remains necessary to assess this VAD’s in vivo performance range and its reliability. ASAIO Journal 2014; 60:329–334.

The Berlin Heart EXCOR is the most commonly used VAD for bridge to transplant therapy in small children and is one of the rare devices suitable for infants. The main complications are neurologic events and infections,4–6 and anticoagulation therapy management remains one of the major challenges, particularly in children with a body surface area

A novel pediatric biventricular assist device: in vitro test results.

Most ventricular assist devices (VADs) currently used in infants are extracorporeal. These VADs require long-term anticoagulation therapy and extensiv...
546KB Sizes 4 Downloads 3 Views