Ventricular Assist Device Program: Cardiomyopathy Treatment Program: University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Care: University of Iowa Health Care

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UI Heart and Vascular Center

Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Program

FDA Approved Devices Used at
UI Hospitals and Clinics

Currently the program uses two types of VADs, the HeartMate® XVE and the Thoratec VAD system. Both are produced by the Thoratec Corporation. You may also click on the links highlighted below to see a more detailed description of the individual devices as provided by Thoratec.

HeartMate® XVE
The Thoratec HeartMate® XVE Left Ventricular Assist System has been FDA approved as both a bridge to transplantation and for destination therapy. The VAD is placed inside the abdomen. It is attached to the left ventricle and the aorta. The VAD is a pusher plate pump that uses an external power source. A flexible tube that passes through the skin allows for power transfer and air venting. The VAD can be powered with either portable batteries or to a power base unit that plugs into the wall.

Thoratec® VAD System
The Thoratec® PVAD system can provide left, right, or bi-ventricular assistance to patients with end stage heart failure. It has been FDA-approved as both a bridge to transplant therapy and for recovery from open-heart surgery. The VADs have a hard plastic casing with a blood sac inside. For a left sided assist device, the VAD is connected to the left ventricle and aorta. For a right sided device, the VAD is connected to the right ventricle or right atrium and the pulmonary artery. The tubes that connect the VAD to the heart go through the skin. Mechanical valves prevent blood from flowing the wrong direction.

A specialized air compressor provides the power for the pump. It uses a pressure/vacuum system which forces the blood sac to open and close. This allows the VAD to fill and empty. The vacuum pulls blood from the heart to fill the pump. The compressor then applies pressure to push the blood through the body just like the native ventricle. The air compressor (driver) used immediately after surgery is about the size of a small refrigerator. Once the patient is stable, they can be switched to the portable driver. The portable driver, called the TLC II, is the size of a small suitcase and can be pulled on a luggage carrier.

Thoratec® IVAD
The Thoratec® IVAD is a new development on the previous Thoratec model. The VAD casing is made of titanium, instead of plastic. This allows the surgeon to place the VAD inside the patient. The blood sac and mechanical valves are the same on both the internal and external model. The patient has a flexible tube that passes through the skin that allows for power transfer and air venting. Patients with the Thoratec IVAD use the same driver used by patients with the external Thoratec VAD.

For more patient information about the VADs discussed above, you can also access the Thoratec Patient Information site.

Last modification date: Tue Sep 18 11:22:30 2007
URL: http://www.uihealthcare.com /depts/uiheartcare/services/heartfailureprogram/vadfdaapproved.html

FDA Approved Devices Used at UI Hospitals and Clinics

FDA Approved Devices Used at
UI Hospitals and Clinics