Mechanical Cardiac Support With an Implantable Direct Cardiac Compression Device: Proof of Concept. Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • PURPOSE: We examined the hemodynamic effects of a new, implantable, direct cardiac assist device in an ovine heart failure model. DESCRIPTION: The device, which encompasses both left and right ventricles, is inserted through the pericardial apex and self-expands to encompass the heart without suturing. The intact pericardium anchors the device in place. The device has 2 concentric chamber layers: an internal chamber layer filled with fluid to conform to the heart and an external chamber layer filled with air that provides external compression and negative pressure to aid relaxation. EVALUATION: The device was implanted in 7 sheep with heart failure induced by microsphere embolization. Cardiac performance was assessed for 6 to 8 hours. The cardiac assist device provided cardiac systolic and diastolic assistance, as shown by pressure tracings of the left ventricle and aorta, pulmonary artery flow, and+dP/dt. Central venous pressure decreased during cardiac assistance. No anatomic damage was noted postmortem. CONCLUSIONS: Systolic and diastolic cardiac assistance can be achieved with this device that compresses and relaxes in synchrony with the native cardiac cycle.

published proceedings

  • Ann Thorac Surg

author list (cited authors)

  • Letsou, G. V., Bolch, C. M., Hord, E. C., Altman, W. C., Youngblood, B. L., Leschinsky, B., & Criscione, J. C.

citation count

  • 1

complete list of authors

  • Letsou, George V||Bolch, Christina M||Hord, Erica C||Altman, William C||Youngblood, Brad L||Leschinsky, Boris||Criscione, John C

publication date

  • January 2022