What are the 3 types of LVADs and which one is still in production

Question

LVADs (left ventricular assist devices) have been around for a good while and there have been many different versions! Which ones have been the most recent top three, which is the current made model and why did the previous ones get decommissioned? What does an LVAD do?

Answer 1

The left ventricle does the hardest work of the 4 cardiac chambers- it pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body! In end stage heart failure, mechanical help like the LVAD can help "bridge" the patient until they get a heart transplant or stay implanted for as long as the patient lives, called "destination therapy." The LVAD takes over the function of the left ventricle (LV). It receive all the blood from the LV, sends the blood through an internally implanted motor which then propels the blood to a tube inserted in the aorta. The internal motor is connected to an electrical line that exits the patient's body (usually the chest or upper abdomen), is connected to an externally worn controller, and that controller is connected to portable batteries or an AC powered console.

The most recent top 3 models were:

Jarvik 2000 - still in use but shares issues with the HeartMate II

HeartWare - taken off the market for strokes, pump failure, and death

HeartMate II- Widely used. Biggest issues were driveline infections (where the electrial wire comes out), hematological issues i.e. hemolysis and disruption in platelet function, in-pump thrombosis, and strokes.

These have been succeeded by the Heartmate III. It is different from the above three in that its motor provides pulsatile rather than continuous blood flow. It has superior outcomes for strokes, clots, and bleeding.