First clinical implantation of the BCM 3.5 ventricular assist device (VAD)

Abstract

We report on the first human implantation of the BCM 3.5 ventricular assist device in a 46-year-old man suffering from terminal stage cardiomyopathy. The circulatory support was used as a bridge to heart transplantation. The patient was in cardiogenic shock and was on assisted circulation for 18 days after which he underwent cardiac transplantation. While receiving support from the ventricular assist device, the patient's condition improved remarkably and 50 days after transplantation he was discharged from hospital. We give a detailed description of the surgical technique, with special emphasis on the procedures for air extraction. We describe the evolution of the hemodynamic status before and after implantation. Final inspection of the device and cannulae after removal showed no thrombi and only small fibrin deposits in the membrane-wall junction.

Low‐Cost Pulsatile Cardiac Assist Device With Compliant Input Chamber

“…In our experience (3,4,5), the valves (mechanical, biological, or polyurethane) are the most expensive part of a VAD, and this significantly increases the final cost of the device. Replacing these types of valves with nondisposable clip valves located over the input and output cannulae could simplify the design and reduce the final cost of the disposable part of VADs.…”