Circulatory Assistance With a Permanent Implantable IABP: Initial Human Experience

Abstract

Purpose The Kantrowitz CardioVAD TM (KCV) is an electrically powered, pneumatically driven circulatory assist device which provides diastolic augmentation and systolic unloading to the failing heart. It consists of a 60cc-pumping chamber, a percutaneous access device (PAD), and an external controller. The pumping chamber, is surgically implanted in the descending thoracic aorta with the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass. Its physiologic function is analogous to that of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). Methods Between 1997 and 2000, 5 men (age 59 to 73) with end-stage cardiomyopathy refractory to maximal drug treatment and with documented hemodynamic improvement on an IABP were enrolled in a feasibility study. Results Mean bypass time was 157 minute (range 120 to 196 minute); mean cross-clamp time was 101 minute (range 69 to 144). Patient 1 died intra-operatively. Compared with preoperative values, at 1 month, cardiac index increased (1.7 to 2.6 L/min/m 2 ) and there were significant decreases in creatinine (2.6 to 1.5 mg/dL), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) (32 to 14 mm Hg), and right atrial pressure (RA) (19 to 9 mm Hg). NYHA class improved (IV to II). The mean increase in cardiac index with the KCV OFF to ON was 0.53 L/min/m 2 (36%). Two patients were discharged home. The device was used intermittently without thromboembolic complications. The only device related complications were attributed to PAD design and have been corrected. Conclusion Our initial human trial demonstrates successful implantation of the KCV in end-stage patients, the ability of the device to be used intermittently without anticoagulation, and documents hemodynamic and functional improvement in the status of these patients.

Development of in vitro microfluidic models to study endothelial responses to pulsatility with different mechanical circulatory support devices

“…Importantly, CPD can enhance coronary BF and rescue the ischemic myocardium while improving cardiac function. [18][19][20][21] Being the widely used MCSD, CPD can also enhance vascular pulsatility and is easy to use and popularize, thus avoiding the side effects of invasive treatment, such as infections and complications that may occur during CFVAD support. Therefore, in patients with less severe HF, CPD has the potential to replace implantable CFVAD as partial support and may significantly reduce the side effects of using CFVAD, but its long-term feasibility still needs further verification.…”