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(Circulation. 2002;105:2855.)
© 2002 American Heart Association, Inc.
Clinical Investigation and Reports |
From the Cullen Cardiovascular Surgical Research Laboratories, Texas Heart Institute, Houston (O.H.F., T.J.M., I.D.G., K.M.); St Lukes Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Tex (T.K., R.D., M.C.); Jarvik Heart Inc, New York, NY (R.J.); and Oxford Heart Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.W.).
Reprint requests to Dr Frazier, Texas Heart Institute, PO Box 20345, MC 3-147, Houston, TX 77225-0345.
| Abstract |
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Methods and Results To assess the safety and clinical utility of the Jarvik 2000, we implanted this device in 10 transplant candidates (mean age 51.3 years) in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV. Implantation was achieved through a left thoracotomy during partial cardiopulmonary bypass. The mean support period was 84 days. Within 48 hours postoperatively, the cardiac index increased 43%, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased 52%, systemic vascular resistance decreased significantly, and inotropic support became unnecessary. Eight patients underwent physical rehabilitation and returned to NYHA class I. Their left ventricular dimensions, cardiothoracic ratios, and pressure-volume loop analyses showed good left ventricular unloading. Seven patients underwent transplantation and 3 died during support. No device thrombosis was observed at explantation.
Conclusions The Jarvik 2000 functions as a true assist device by partially unloading the left ventricle, thereby optimizing the patients hemodynamics. Our preliminary results indicate that this LVAS may safely provide circulatory assistance for heart transplant candidates.
Key Words: ventricles heart-assist device heart failure transplantation
| Introduction |
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Although implantable VASs are safe and effective in heart transplant candidates, conventional systems exemplify concepts established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the 1970s. These concepts called for the VAS to capture the entire cardiac output and to produce blood flows up to 12 L/min. To achieve these goals, pulsatile pumps of adequate size were needed. The size required to meet the goals of the NIH program made a body surface area of at least 2 m2 desirable for complication-free placement. Smaller adults and children were denied the benefit of this therapy.6,7
See p 2808
The Jarvik 2000 Heart (Jarvik Heart Inc)8 is a new type of implantable left ventricular assist system (LVAS) that produces axial flow by means of a single, rotating, vaned impeller. This system represents an innovative approach to implantable LVAS technology and has a number of advantages over conventional pulsatile systems. We became interested in continuous-flow pumps because they potentially could function without breaking the skin. In addition, these small pumps should be suitable for smaller adults and even children. The implantation operation is less extensive, so bleeding, infection, and other operative complications may decrease. The continuous flow and lack of stasis should minimize thrombus formation and bacterial adhesion. With only a single movable component, axial-flow pumps should be highly reliable for prolonged periods. Furthermore, these pumps can be used as true assist devices. In contrast, conventional VASs, which necessitate a fairly extensive implantation operation, are designed to capture the entire left ventricular output and to act physiologically as left ventricular replacement devices.
In April 2000, the Texas Heart Institute initiated the first clinical trials of the Jarvik 2000. We present the results of the first 10 cases in which this system was used.
| Methods |
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Physiological and quality-of-life data are recorded before, during, and after circulatory support. Once the pump has been implanted, speed-change and pump-off testing are performed periodically. Clinical data are analyzed for any adverse response related to the implanted device. An independent data and safety monitoring board evaluates the safety of the LVAS by monitoring the frequency and severity of adverse events. A secondary objective of the present study is to refine the clinical protocol to allow eventual expansion to a multicenter trial.
Description of the Pump
The Jarvik 2000 is an electrically powered, axial-flow blood pump that provides continuous flow from the left ventricle to the descending thoracic aorta. Because of its small size, this device can be placed within the left ventricle, and no inlet cannula is needed. The continuous blood flow eliminates the need for valves, an internal compliance chamber, or an externalized vent.
The system consists of a blood pump, 16-mm outflow graft, percutaneous power cable, pump-speed controller, and direct-current power supply (Figure 1). The blood pump is simple in design, its single movable component being an impeller located in the center of the titanium housing (Figure 2). A brushless direct-current motor contained within the housing creates the electromagnetic force necessary to rotate the impeller. The impeller consists of a neodymium-iron-boron magnet suspended by 2 ceramic bearings. On the impellers outer surface are 2 titanium hydrodynamic blades. All the blood-contacting surfaces within the pump are made of smooth titanium. Blood flow is directed through the outflow graft by stator blades located near the pump outlet.
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The motor receives power from the external controller through a series of wires that are contained in a silicone tube covered with Dacron. The motor speed is manually adjusted and is regulated by a pulse-width-modulated, speed-control circuit. Lead acid or lithium ion batteries provide the systems 12-volt power supply. The pumps operating range is 8000 to 12 000 rpm; under optimal physiological conditions, these speeds can generate flows of up to 6 L/min. The normal power consumption is 3 to 7 watts. The pumps speed is adjusted in 1000-rpm increments until minimal flow is ejected through the aortic valve. In case of a system malfunction, the controller provides both an aural and visual alert. Ambulatory patients can maintain the systems external equipment and change the batteries as needed.
Implantation Operation
The pump is implanted through a thoracotomy incision with the aid of partial cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The femoral artery and vein are exposed for CPB cannulation. A left thoracotomy is then made in the fifth or sixth intercostal space, and the heart and descending thoracic aorta are exposed. The aorta is partially occluded while the outflow graft is anastomosed to the aorta. The femoral vessels are then cannulated and CPB is begun. Ventricular fibrillation is induced, and a circular knife is used to create an opening in the left ventricle. A silicone/polyester sewing cuff is sewn to the apex of the heart with pledgeted sutures. The power cable is tunneled subcutaneously across the abdomen from left to right just below the diaphragm and exits the skin at the right anterior portion of the abdomen. The pump is inserted into the left ventricle and is secured with cotton tape around the cuff and pump housing. The pumps outflow graft is anastomosed to the graft previously placed on the aorta. The heart is then defibrillated, and air is removed from the left ventricle, pump, and graft. As CPB is gradually discontinued, the pump is turned on. Pulmonary vasodilators and inotropic agents are used as necessary to support right-sided cardiac function.
Intraoperatively, hemodynamic assessment is performed with transesophageal echocardiography, a pulmonary artery catheter, an arterial pressure line, a pressure line to the left ventricle, and an ultrasonic flow probe on the pumps outflow graft. Hemodynamic values are recorded at each pump speed, and the optimal speed is determined. Flow through the pump can be calculated accurately against varying mean pressures.9 The ultrasonic flow probe is removed before the thoracotomy incision is closed. In the early postoperative period, hemodynamic function is assessed with an arterial pressure line, a pulmonary artery catheter, and transthoracic echocardiography. Once all the monitoring lines have been removed, hemodynamic assessment is based on echocardiography and routine evaluation of vital signs.
Postoperative Management
Postoperatively, the goal is to maintain pump flow at the lowest level compatible with a normal cardiac index and NYHA class I status. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic studies are performed routinely to determine the proper pump-speed setting. During these tests, the pump speed is increased in 1000-rpm increments over the usual operating range of 8000 to 12 000 rpm, after which the pump is turned off for up to 5 minutes. Serial echocardiographic studies are performed at 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, and every 3 months thereafter until support is terminated.
In the 10 cases reported here, the data from 17 echocardiographic/hemodynamic studies, performed 1 to 84 days after LVAS implantation at all pump speeds and with the pump off, were available for analysis. Output through the aortic and pulmonary valves was calculated from the pulsed Doppler-derived time-velocity integral for the left and right ventricular outflow tracts, respectively. Approximate device flow was calculated as the difference between pulmonary and aortic valve flow. Doppler analysis of flow through the outflow graft was performed in the parasternal long-axis view.
In assessing the degree of left ventricular contractility and recovery, the slope of the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship was used to obtain an estimate independent of the preload and afterload. In 2 patients, the left ventricular and aortic pressures were recorded simultaneously with transesophageal echocardiographic images of the left ventricular dimensions in 2- and 4-chamber views. The modified Simpson rule was used to calculate the left ventricular volume at 33-ms intervals during a single cardiac cycle at pump speeds of 0, 8000, 10 000, and 12 000 rpm. Measurements were made at LVAS implantation and immediately before device explantation for cardiac transplantation. The stroke work index was calculated from the area enclosed by the pressure-volume loops. Left ventricular stiffness was calculated according to the slope of the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship.
After device implantation, routine postoperative care was provided to the patients. Anticoagulation therapy was given to maintain the international normalized ratio (INR) at 1.5 to 2.0. The Jarvik 2000 required minimal routine care, and maintenance became the patients responsibility after he or she underwent rehabilitation and training.
| Results |
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Seven patients have undergone heart transplantation and been discharged from the hospital, and 3 died during support. The 7 transplant recipients had an average follow-up period of 13.5 months (range: 8.6 to 19 months), and all remain in NYHA class I. For the series as a whole, the average duration of support has been 84 days (range: 13 to 214 days), and the total duration of support has been 812 days. Two of the deaths were from ventricular ectopia, and one death was due to adult respiratory distress syndrome secondary to coagulopathy and significant blood transfusion.
Hemodynamic Assessment
Compared with preoperative values, the hemodynamic function of all the patients improved considerably with LVAS support (Table). Forty-eight hours after device implantation, the average cardiac index increased by 43% and the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased by 52%. The mean arterial blood pressure was stable, and the need for inotropic support was greatly reduced.
Although the average cardiac index was normal at all pump speeds, it decreased by 33.5% when the pump was turned off. However, 48 hours after implantation, the average cardiac index (2.31 L/min per m2) was 22% greater than the preimplantation value even with the pump off. The average pulse pressure was 13 mm Hg at 12 000 rpm and 42 mm Hg with the pump off. This finding reflected the increased flow from the left ventricle through the pump throughout the cardiac cycle. Interestingly, as the flow through the pump was decreased by lowering the rpm, the native ventricular function improved (a normalization of Starlings law in these advanced heart failure patients) so that cardiac output (pump and native heart) remained relatively constant (Figure 3).
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To avoid stasis in the aortic root, an effort was made to allow the aortic valve to open. The point at which the aortic valve opens was verified echocardiographically. The pump speed that maintained pulsatility seemed to be the optimal one for cardiac function. In most cases, the chosen speed was 9000 rpm to 10 000 rpm.
Echocardiographic data confirmed the pumps left ventricular unloading effect. Doppler-flow imaging showed that flow was continuous throughout the entire cardiac cycle but increased during systolic augmentation (when the increasing left ventricular pressure augmented the preload to the pump, thereby causing flow to increase). As the pump speed increased, diastolic blood flow increased (Figure 4). Flow through the aortic outflow tract decreased progressively as the pump speed increased, correlating inversely with right-sided flow (Figure 5). In brief, (5-minute off-pump studies) cardiac output was maintained at a reduced level by the native ventricular ejection. The mean regurgitant flow was 0.35 L/min per m2, and the average regurgitant fraction for the 4 patients studied was 11%. As the pump speed increased, the cardiac output also increased, but not linearly. At 11 000 and 12 000 rpm, flow through the left ventricular outflow tract was minimal, indicating that the pump captured nearly all of the cardiac output.
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The left ventricular dimensions decreased as the level of support increased. Compared with values obtained during pump-off periods, the left ventricular diastolic dimension (LVDD) decreased by 16% during LVAS support. The average LVDD was 7.1 cm before device implantation and 5.9 cm 48 hours after implantation. The left ventricular unloading effect was also noted on anteroposterior chest roentgenograms. The average cardiothoracic ratio was 0.71 before implantation and 0.62 at 48 hours after implantation.
Hematologic Evaluation
The hematologic values for all patients remained within an acceptable range throughout the support period. Also, 1 patient had chronic bleeding from a gastric ulcer and arteriovenous malformation throughout the small intestine (INR ranged from 1.0 to 1.2.). Cauterization of the ulcer and resection of the bowel were necessary to minimize the persistent bleeding. This patient was supported for 244 days without anticoagulation. Activation of bleeding from arteriovenous malformation has been reported previously in patients with aortic stenosis.10 Thus, this may be a future consideration for patients with a narrowed pulse pressure. Except for the usual elevations seen after surgery, no significant hemolysis was seen in any patient during the remaining support period. The average plasma free hemoglobin level was 14.1 mg/dL, compared with an average preimplantation value of 7.4 mg/dL.
Nine of the 10 patients received conservative anticoagulant therapy involving some combination of heparin, warfarin, aspirin, and dipyridamole. The average INR over the entire duration of support was 1.3, and the highest value achieved was 1.7. In the 7 explanted devices, no thrombus was observed within the device.
Jarvik 2000 System Operation
Operation of the Jarvik 2000 was uncomplicated, with only 3 minor technical problems occurring during the cumulative 812 days of support. The operator broke 2 power-cable connectors, and a patient bent a connector pin. These minor problems were resolved quickly and without adverse consequences to the patient.
The patients and their family members were taught to exchange batteries and to identify emergency situations. After recovering sufficiently from the implantation surgery, the patients participated in daily physical rehabilitation that consisted of walking on a graded treadmill and performing lightweight lifting exercises. The patients reported that increasing the pump speed during exercise augmented their exercise capacity; when the exercise was concluded, they returned the speed to its usual setting. They walked about the hospital at will, ate meals in the hospital cafeteria, and went outdoors for visits. The survivors achieved NYHA class I cardiac status within 2 weeks of implantation. Because of protocol restrictions, however, they were not allowed to leave the hospital property. Their medical and physical conditions would otherwise have been fully compatible with hospital discharge.
| Discussion |
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In 1 patient, high pulmonary vascular resistance and right heart failure developed secondary to adult respiratory distress syndrome. During a period when the pump speed was relatively high (11 000 rpm), an echocardiogram revealed that the intraventricular septum had shifted significantly to the left. The poor left ventricular filling and the continuous pump flow apparently resulted in some degree of negative pressure that caused a septal shift, contributing further to right ventricular dysfunction. In such cases, right ventricular support must be instituted to allow for filling of the left ventricle.
In the present study, the mean cardiac index at the usual speed setting (9000 rpm) was 3.2 L/min per m2, and the average aortic valve-opening time was 150 ms. This level of circulatory assistance was sufficient to allow complete physical rehabilitation and recovery from the implantation surgery. The continuous flow throughout the cardiac cycle provided both systolic and diastolic unloading of the left ventricle. When the pump was on, the left ventricular systolic and diastolic dimensions consistently decreased by 13% to 16%.
The hemodynamic support provided by the Jarvik 2000 optimizes the ratio between myocardial oxygen consumption and delivery. The continuous pulsatile flow into the descending aorta, along with the aortic outflow, provides sufficient coronary perfusion. The increased diastolic flow and pressure, as well as the decreased aortic valve-opening time, also promote coronary perfusion.11 Animal studies have shown that continuous unloading of the left ventricle with an axial-flow pump decreases coronary perfusion to nonischemic myocardium while increasing perfusion to ischemic myocardium.12 This decrease in coronary flow to the normal myocardium may be a concern in conditions of prolonged nonpulsatility.
The need for anticoagulant therapy in patients supported by the Jarvik 2000 has yet to be determined. The 10 patients described in this report had varying degrees of such therapy, and no significant thromboembolic events occurred. Likewise, anticoagulant therapy in numerous animals has resulted in an INR of less than the target level of 1.5, and no thrombotic events have been observed.8 The nonthrombogenic quality of the Jarvik 2000 probably is due to its ultrasmooth titanium surface, continuous blood flow, and minimal surface area, which reduce blood contact with foreign materials.
We believe there are definite advantages to an intraventricular pump. In our early experiments, an inlet cannula was shown to introduce abnormal rheology by generating negative pressure to fill the pump. This deformation of platelets contributes to their activation and may contribute to thrombosis and pannus formation in the inlet graft. Also, with a continuous flow pump, the ventricle is offloaded throughout the cardiac cycle. By having the pump inside the ventricle, the pump moves with the motion of the heart, thereby obviating any possibility of inlet obstruction on the septum or the lateral wall. If the pump were placed outside the ventricle, the inlet cannula might be obstructed as the heart moves, which would affect the filling either on the lateral or the septal side. In addition, if the pump stops or malfunctions, regurgitation back into the ventricle may occur. By having the pump inside the ventricle, there is a limitation to the amount of pressure that can build up, thus avoiding a problem with regurgitation.
During the 17 pump-off tests in our series, the amount of regurgitant flow through the pump was not excessive and therefore not life threatening. All the patients remained fully alert and conscious and maintained a systolic blood pressure of >80 mm Hg. The mild regurgitant fraction detected by echocardiography was similar to that seen in patients with mild aortic insufficiency. The resistance of the pump impeller apparently minimizes regurgitant flow during diastole. Forty-eight hours after support was initiated, all 4 patients had an improved cardiac index with the pump off. Should pump failure occur (not seen experimentally or clinically), the patient should remain sufficiently alert to initiate emergency measures. While the pump is turned off, blood flows through it in both directions, and this flow may help prevent thrombosis within the pump.
The Jarvik 2000 was designed to be reliable, easy to implant, and simple to operate.13,14 In our series of 10 patients, the device met all of these goals. Recently (not this series), we have modified our implantation procedure, which has allowed the pump to be implanted either without the use of a cardiopulmonary bypass or with bypass times of <10 minutes. The less extensive implantation surgery has lessened surgical complications. The patients and hospital staff found the system quite easy to operate. Remarkably, there were few technical problems with system components, and no serious device-related adverse events occurred. Although 2 patients had superficial infections at the power cables exit site, these infections did not alter the clinical course. Continuation of both bridge-to-transplant and long-term destination studies now ongoing in Europe15 will allow assessment of the role of this technology in the treatment of heart failure.
In summary, initial clinical studies of the Jarvik 2000 LVAS have shown that it can safely and satisfactorily support patients with severe heart failure who are awaiting transplantation. Because the Jarvik 2000 acts in concert with the native pulsatility of the heart, it functions as a true left ventricular assist device. Its optimal application is one where native heart function is augmented by the continuing offloading of the pump, with pulsatility being supplied by the assisted native heart. This function contrasts with the more commonly designated implantable LVADs, ie, the HeartMate and the Novacor, which are really better termed left ventricular replacement devices. Once these devices are implanted, ejection by the native heart seldom occurs. Thus, axial-flow pumps offer important advantages, but the superiority of these pumps can be demonstrated only through further clinical trials. Nevertheless, axial-flow technology continues to advance, and these pumps may eventually provide an alternative to heart transplantation in selected patients. The lower operative risk associated with implantation of the Jarvik heart will allow it to be placed safely in class IV heart failure patients maintained on outpatient medical therapy, therefore broadening considerably the role of circulatory support devices as a treatment option for this complicated patient population.
| Footnotes |
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Guest editor for this article was Hartzell Schiff, MD, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Received August 1, 2001; revision received March 20, 2002; accepted April 3, 2002.
| References |
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2. Mehta SM, Aufiero TX, Pae WE, et al. Combined registry for the clinical use of mechanical ventricular assist pumps and the total artificial heart in conjunction with heart transplantation: sixth official report1994. J Heart Lung Transplant. 1995; 14: 585593.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
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10. Natowitz L, Defraigne JO, Limet R. Association of aortic stenosis and gastrointestinal bleeding (Heydes syndrome): report of two cases. Acta Chir Belg. 1993; 1: 3133.
11. Merhige ME, Smalling RW, Cassidy D, et al. Effect of the hemopump left ventricular assist device on regional myocardial perfusion and function: reduction of ischemia during coronary occlusion. Circulation. 1989; 80 (suppl III): III-158III-166.
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Smalling RW, Cassidy DB, Barrett R, et al. Improved regional myocardial blood flow, left ventricular unloading, and infarct salvage using an axial-flow, transvalvular left ventricular assist device. Circulation. 1992; 85: 11521159.
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15. Westaby S, Banning AP, Jarvik R, et al. First permanent implant of the Jarvik 2000 Heart. Lancet. 2000; 356: 900903.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
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