Clinical experience with the DeBakey VAD(TM) axial flow pump

Background: The DeBakey VAD(TM) (MicroMed Technology, Inc., Houston, Texas) axial flow pump is presently in clinical trials in Europe as a bridge to transplant in patients with end-stage heart failure. The miniaturized pump is an implantable, titanium, electromagnetically actuated axial flow pump. The purpose of the pump is to provide mechanical assistance to the failing left ventricle, thereby improving and maintaining end organ function. The goal of the entire system is to provide safe, reliable ventricular support while allowing the recipient to maintain a good quality of life. Methods: The DeBakey VAD(TM) has been implanted in 13 patients. Support has ranged from 9-115 days. Hemodynamic evaluations along with blood chemistry analysis were routinely recorded. Exercise tolerance was observed. Results: End organ function after implant has either shown improvement or remained stable at baseline. Patients have been able to perform normal low level activity and have tolerated position changes without difficulty or evidence of postural hemodynamic changes. Select patients have taken supervised out-of-hospital excursions. Conclusions: Hemodynamic evaluations indicate that the DeBakey VAD(TM) may be applied in patients with end-stage heart failure to provide mechanical assistance to the failing left ventricle. Blood chemistry analysis and clinical observations indicate the application of the DeBakey VAD(TM) aids in improving and maintaining end organ function. After recovery from surgery and the effects of heart failure, patients with the DeBakey VAD(TM) are able to perform the basic activities of daily living.