title: In Vitro PET Imaging of a Miniature Ventricular Assist Device.
abstract: Interactions between the life-sustaining ventricular assist devices and diagnostic therapies must be carefully considered to decrease the risk of inaccurate diagnostic imaging or pump failure.
  
  
  METHODS
  The MVAD(®) pump, currently under investigational use, was tested for interaction with radiotracers in an in vitro flow-loop study. The radiotracers (18)F-sodium fluoride and (18)F-FDG were injected into a closed loop to determine the feasibility of direct imaging of the MVAD(®) pump in a PET scanner.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No real-time changes were observed in pump operation, and there were no statistical differences in pump parameters (power consumption, speed, and estimated flow rate) between the baseline and circulation conditions. In addition, no effect was observed on any external components, including the permissive-action-link controller and the batteries powering the device. Imaging of the internal pump components was possible, with obscuration observed only in the portion of the pump where the spinning impeller is located. Retention of radiotracer in the pump components after circulation was minimal (<1%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PET imaging is an attractive diagnostic tool for patients with a ventricular assist device and may have additional utility outside its current use, detection of infection.
authors.affiliation: Regulation Directive Medical Physics, Russell, Kentucky msgossman@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Gossman
authors.affiliation: HeartWare, Inc., Miami Lakes, Florida; and.
authors.forename: Joel D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.affiliation: HeartWare, Inc., Miami Lakes, Florida; and.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Depot
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.
authors.forename: Huaiyu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.
authors.forename: Junling
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.
authors.forename: Chin K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.affiliation: HeartWare, Inc., Miami Lakes, Florida; and.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tamez
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D008904:Miniaturization; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D012306:Risk; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: MVAD®; PET; pump; radioactive; ventricular assist device