The Thoratec Implantable Ventricular Assist Device (IVAD): Initial clinical experience

Louis E. Samuels, Elena C. Holmes, Kevin Hagan, Radha Gopalan, Christopher Droogan, Francis Ferdinand

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. The Thoratec Implantable Ventricular Assist Device (IVAD) is the only FDA-approved intracorporeal biventricular cardiac assist device. It is a titanium-coated version of its predecessor, the Paracorporeal Ventricular Assist Device (PVAD). The blood pump is compatible with the portable TLC-II driver, making home discharge feasible. Methods. Nine consecutive patients were implanted with the IVAD from June 2005 through March 2006. The indications for support were acute heart failure in 6 cases and chronic heart failure in 3 cases. All patients were managed with maximal medical therapies including intravenous inotropic drugs prior to implant. Results. All patients survived the surgical implant. Six patients were considered successful: 3 patients discharged to home and subsequently received transplantation, 2 are awaiting transplantation (1 at home and 1 in-house), and 1 patient was successfully explanted. Three patients expired postoperatively because of multiple organ system failure (2 patients) and pulmonary hemorrhage (1 patient). There were no device malfunctions. There was 1 localized driveline site infection and 1 thromboembolic event with partial visual loss. Conclusions. The IVAD is a unique device capable of providing uni- or bi-ventricular support for either acute or chronic heart failure conditions. Its versatility permits bridge to transplant or recovery options. Home discharge is feasible.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)187-189
Number of pages3
JournalHeart Surgery Forum
Volume9
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes

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