HeartMate left ventricular assist devices: A multigeneration of implanted blood pumps

The HeartMate family of implanted left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) d eveloped by Thermo Cardiosystems, Inc. (TCI) span a time frame that goes ba ck to the beginning of clinical use of mechanical circulatory support and w ill stretch well into the foreseeable future. Associated blood pump technol ogy employed in the HeartMates range from an original pusher plate concept to the most advanced rotary pump devices. Starting initially with a pneumat ic actuated pusher plate pump, clinical use of the HeartMate I began in 198 6. In 1990, electric motor-actuated versions of the HeartMate I began to be used clinically. Presently, the HeartMate I has been implanted in some 2,3 00 patients worldwide, and this LVAD is a standard by which all others are currently measured, Following the HeartMate I is TCI's next-generation, the HeartMate II, a rotary-pump-based LVAD that uses an axial flow blood pump having blood immersed mechanical bearings. Clinical trials of the HeartMate II were initiated in 2000. The HeartMate III, representing TCI's next-gene ration LVAD, is structured around a centrifugal blood pump that uses a magn etically levitated rotating assembly. Compared to the HeartMate II, the Hea rtMate III has the potential for higher overall efficiency. The pump's oper ating life is not dependent on bearing wear. Given the significantly advanc ed LVAD technology represented by HeartMates II and III, coupled with the e xperience of HeartMate I, TCI is well-poised to keep its LVAD products as i ndustry standards in the future.