Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Marissa Reitsma

7/17/08

Left Ventricular Assist Devices

 

There are at least five approved LVAD devices approved for use in the United States. The Incor device, manufactured by the Berlin Heart Company, is certified and manufactured for use in the European Union. Also, there are more than four devices currently in clinical trial stage and awaiting FDA approval. The devices in the trial stage have focused on improving the lifespan of LVAD devices. Many of the newer devices, including the Jarvik 2000, serve as supplement supports to the left ventricle’s naturally pumping which allows the patient to eventually build up strength in order to become independent of the device.

Each of the current LVAD options boasts its strengths, yet it also has inevitable weaknesses. Although the Heartmate, developed by Thoratec, is used in roughly four out of five transplants, the Jarvik 2000 has some promising features that make it stand out. The Jarvik device is much smaller and lighter (it is only a twentieth to a tenth of its competitors size) than much of its competition, and the implant can fit inside the left ventricle. It also has only one moving part, no valves, and since it sits within the natural heart, it has no inflow or outflow valves, which reduces the risk of failure. Contrary to its bulkier competition, the Jarvik LVAD is totally silent. The Jarvik implant has a very user friendly interface because it is manually programmable. As long as the patient is informed and competent, many sources sugest that this is more effective than a computer run device. Finally, the battery life of the implant is eight to ten hours, allowing the patient more freedom.

 

Works Consulted

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventricular_assist_device

http://www.jarvikheart.com/basic.asp?id=19

http://www.worldheart.com/products/novacor_lvas.cfm

http://www.thoratec.com/medical-professionals/vad-product-information/heartmate-ll-lvad.aspx