A novel miniature ventricular assist device for hemodynamic support

The HemoDynamics Systems enabler is a new cardiac assist pump that can expe l blood from the left ventricle and provide pulsatile flow in the aorta. We evaluated the efficacy of the 18 Fr enabler. The enabler was inserted from the left ventricular apex into the ascending aorta in eight sheep. Heart f ailure (mild, moderate, and severe) was induced by microsphere injection in to the coronary arteries to reduce cardiac output by 10-30%, 31-50%, and mo re than 50% from baseline, respectively. The enabler was activated, and its flow was increased to approximately 2.0 L/min. Hemodynamic variables were recorded before and after activation. In moderate heart failure, cardiac ou tput and mean aortic pressure increased from 2.3 +/- 0.6 L/min and 59 +/- 1 2 mm Hg before assist to 2.8 +/- 0.6 L/min and 70 +/- 8 mm Hg at 30 minutes after activation, respectively (p < 0.01). Left atrial pressure decreased from 17 +/- 3 to 13 +/- 4 mm Hg (p < 0.05). Similar findings were observed in mild and severe heart failure. Despite its small diameter, the enabler s ignificantly improved the hemodynamics of failing hearts and may potentiall y serve as a means of peripheral left ventricular support. Further study is warranted.