Future Directions of the Artificial Heart Program
In its active pursuit of a higher quality of life and improved state of health for transplant patients, members of the Artificial Heart Program are actively pursuing several future research directives. Such items on the horizon include:
Micromed Debakey
The Micormed Debakey VAD represents the next generation in heart assist devices. Its small size, less than 4 ounces, makes it ideal for use in the general population, especially people whose bodies cannot accommodate the larger assist devices. This feature makes it a candidate for a less invasive implantation versus the more time-consuming, open procedures used for currently marketed assist devices. There were a total of 162 implants since June 30, 2002 (136 in Europe and 26 U.S.)
Jarvik 2000
Electronically powered axial-flow LVAS, is small, durable, and easy to operate and implant. Pump speed can be regulated with the turn of a dial. It was used initially, in 2000, as a temporary bridge to transplant. Clinical testing is being conducted currently.
Lionheart (Arrow International)
This LVAS is a pulsatile, mechanical circulatory support system that is currently undergoing clinical study as destination therapy for end-stage congestive heart failure patients who are IV drug dependent, and for whom heart transplantation is not and option. So far there have been 25 implants as of August 2002.
Coraide (Arrow International)
LVAS that is electrically powered, third generation, circulatory assist system. It is intended to provide mechanical circulatory support to the left ventricle in people with terminal heart failure unresponsive to conventional therapy. Clinical testing is being conducted currently.
Heartmate II (Thoratec Corp)
The HeartMate II LVAS represents the next generation of implantable devices in the HeartMate family of circulatory support products. The HM II builds on the technology, utility, and commercial success of it's first generation systems. Due to its small size the axial flow, HM II is designed to address the need for smaller long lasting devices for patients requiring long term cardiac support. The HM II is currently under clinical investigation in Europe.
Heartmate III
The HeartMate III is an implantable miniature centrifugal LVAD that will feature a magnetically levitated, bearing-less motor that is designed to provide longer life than a device with traditional bearings. It is currently in development.
HeartSaver (World Heart Corp)
HeartSaver VAD is the first pulsatile ventricular assist device that is fully implantable in the human chest cavity. The device is powered by a patented transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) system and monitored and controlled by a proprietary biotelemetry system. TET transfers electrical power into the device from outside the body without exiting the skin. This device could be used as a long-term support or as a temporary support while awaiting a transplant. Clinical Trials are on the horizon.
Abiocor (Abiomed)
The AbioCor is an advanced medical system that has been designed to fully sustain the body's circulatory system and is intended to extend and improve the lives of patients who would otherwise die of heart failure. Clinical trials are still continuing.
