Five month survival in a calf supported with an intraventricular axial flow blood pump.
We are studying in vivo an intraventricular axial flow blood pump (Jarvik 2000) designed for long-term left ventricular support. The small (25 cc, 85 g) valveless pump has been placed intraventricularly in seven calves; pumps have functioned for as long as 5 months. In the four most recent long-term studies completed, calves have survived for 70, 120, 155, and 162 days (in that order); weight gain has averaged 0.56 kg/day. One study is ongoing at more than 30 days. Under resting physiologic conditions in the normal calf, the continuous flow pump produces flows of 5-6 L/min with a decreased arterial pulse contour. The device has caused no physiologic complications. Calves in the completed studies had mean free plasma hemoglobin levels of 11.4, 7.1, 6.5, and 4.3 mg/dl, respectively. We have modified the inflow structures of the device, and these results suggest that a thrombus free design with no pannus at or around the inlet of the pump can be achieved. Histopathologic analyses of the heart and kidneys in studies of as long as 5 months show no deleterious effects of this device. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of a small implanted intraventricular blood pump for long-term use. Future developments for permanent implantation will include implanted physiologic control systems, transcutaneous energy transmission systems, and implanted batteries.
Parnis
S M
SM
Cullen Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, Department of Cardiovascular Surgical Research, Texas Heart Institute, Houston 77030, USA.
Macris
M P
MP
Jarvik
R
R
Robinson
J L
JL
Kolff
J W
JW
Anai
H
H
Fuqua
J M
JM
Conger
J L
JL
Cloy
M J
MJ
Myers
T J
TJ
D000818:Animals; D002302:Cardiac Output; D002417:Cattle; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000628:therapy; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors; D015430:Weight Gain
D006454:Hemoglobins