ABIOMED-BVS-5000 - EXPERIENCE AND POTENTIAL ADVANTAGES

Background. The ABIOMED BVS 5000 is a two-chambered extracorporeal pul satile assist device intended for temporary circulatory support. The F ood and Drug Administration granted approval for the device for postca rdiotomy patients in 1992. Methods. A worldwide registry is maintained with the BVS 5000. Currently 500 patients have been entered into the registry. The majority of patients were postcardiotomy (53%) and requi red biventricular assist devices (65%). Results. Postcardiotomy patien ts have had a 27% discharge rate compared with cardiomyopathy patients with a more than 40% discharge rate. Comparison at Baylor University Medical Center of the ABIOMED BVS 5000 with a nonpulsatile device demo nstrated an improved wean rate (60% versus 47%, respectively) as well as discharge rate (27% versus 17%, respectively). Conclusions. A world wide registry combined with the experience at Baylor University Medica l Center demonstrates the capability of the BVS 5000 to support postca rdiotomy patients. The device is safe, simple, and effective. In addit ion, the pulsatile nature of the circulatory support appears to offer advantages over other systems.