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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to conduct an initial clinical evaluation of the new HeartWare Ventricular Assist System (HeartWare, Inc., Framingham, Massachusetts) in a multicenter, prospective, nonrandomized single-arm clinical trial.
Heart failure is a worldwide epidemic. The effectiveness of heart transplantation and medical therapy is limited, resulting in the emergence of mechanical circulatory support as a primary treatment for end-stage heart disease. Left ventricular assist devices that use rotary pumps are small and durable, which might reduce morbidity and mortality during support.
Fifty heart transplant candidates with New York Heart Association functional class IV symptoms were supported at 5 international centers by the HeartWare System for 180 days, until heart transplant, myocardial recovery and device explant, or death. Patients who continue to be supported have been followed for a minimum of 2 years.
Of the 50 patients, 20 (40%) received transplants, 4 (8%) had the pump explanted after myocardial recovery, and 17 (34%) continue support at 2 years. Nine (18%) patients died during support from sepsis (n = 3), multiple organ failure (n = 3), or hemorrhagic stroke (n = 3). The actual survival at 6, 12, and 24 months was 90%, 84%, and 79%, respectively. In the survivors, measures of quality of life showed a significant improvement over baseline values. Significant improvements were found for recognition memory at 3 months after implant (p = 0.006). The most frequent adverse events were infection and bleeding.
Patients with end-stage heart failure can be safely and effectively supported by the HeartWare Ventricular Assist System with improved quality of life and neurocognitive function.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology 03/2011; 57(12):1375-82. · 14.16 Impact Factor
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Christopher S Hayward,
William S Peters,
Alan F Merry,
Peter N Ruygrok,
Paul Jansz, Gerry O'Driscoll,
Robert I Larbalestier,
Julian A Smith,
Betty Ho,
Malcolm E Legget,
F Paget Milsom
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ABSTRACT: Some patients continue to have significant heart failure symptoms despite optimal medical therapy.
We describe a first-in-human experience with an implantable non-blood-contacting extra-ascending aortic counterpulsation heart assist system (C-Pulse) in 5 end-stage heart failure patients, aged 54 to 73 years.
All patients improved by 1 NYHA class and improvements in invasive hemodynamics were documented in 3 patients. Three of 5 patients (60%) had infectious complications. Two patients were explanted at 5 and 7 weeks, respectively, as a result of mediastinal infection related to the implant procedure. One patient was successfully transplanted at 1 month and 1 remained hemodynamically improved on the device at 6 months but suffered infective complications. The device and protocol have been modified as a result of this pilot study with a further multicenter safety study underway.
Although feasibility of this device is suggested by this pilot study, safety and efficacy will need to be examined in a larger cohort with longer follow-up.
The Journal of heart and lung transplantation: the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation 12/2010; 29(12):1427-32. · 3.54 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) reduce pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in patients with severe heart failure. The aim of this study was to noninvasively assess the effect of LVAD implantation on PVR and right-heart function.
In 21 patients with HeartMate II LVADs, serial echocardiograms were reviewed prior to implantation and 1 and 6 months after implantation. Echocardiographic and Doppler indices of right-heart structure and function were measured along with LVAD settings, hemodynamics, and biochemistry, and the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and 6-minute walk test were administered.
Comparing values before and 1 month after implantation, there were reductions in PVR (3.51 +/- 0.9 vs 2.0 +/- 0.5 Wood units, P < .0001), right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure (49 +/- 11 vs 34 +/- 7 mm Hg, P < .0001), and tricuspid regurgitation severity, with no change in RV size, RV fractional area change, or tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. Patients with larger PVR reductions had better clinical status (MLHFQ score, 28 +/- 12 vs 60 +/- 29, P = .04; 6-minute walking distance, 1706 +/- 71 vs 1141 +/- 387 ft, P = .04). Patients with significant deteriorations in RV function had poorer clinical status (MLHFQ score, 79 +/- 13 vs 51 +/- 27, P = .04; 6-minute walking distance, 480 +/- 275 vs 1030 +/- 437 ft, P = .04).
Echocardiographically detected changes in right-heart hemodynamics were associated with symptomatic status after LVAD implantation.
Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography: official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography 07/2009; 22(9):1055-62. · 2.98 Impact Factor
