In Vivo Testing of a Second-Generation Prototype Accessory for Single Transapical Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

A new accessory was developed to allow implantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) without requiring an anastomosis to the ascending aorta. The accessory combines the LVAD inflow and outflow into a dual-lumen device. Initial prototypes encountered reduced pump performance in vitro, but a second-generation prototype successfully addressed this issue.

Cardiac dimensions and hemodynamics in healthy juvenile Landrace swine.

Background: Swine are frequently used as animal model for cardiovascular research, especially in terms of representativity of human anatomy and physiology. Reference values for the most common species used in research are important for planning and execution of animal testing. Transesophageal echocardiography is the gold standard for intraoperative imaging, but can be technically challenging in swine.

A systematic methodology for epicardial and epiaortic echocardiography in swine research models.

Background: Perioperative echocardiography is of paramount importance during cardiac surgery. Nonetheless, in the experimental large-animal setting, it might be challenging obtaining optimal imaging when using conventional imaging acquisition techniques, such as transthoracic and transesophageal screenings. Open-chest surgery allows epicardial echocardiographic assessment with direct contact between probe and heart, thus providing superior quality.

Impact of an Accessory for Left Ventricular Assist Devices on Device Flow and Pressure Head In Vitro.

A novel accessory directing the blood from the outflow of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) back through the left ventricular apex and across the aortic valve allows LVAD implantation via the left ventricular apex solely but may affect the LVAD performance. We quantified the effect of the accessory on LVAD flow and pressure head in vitro. In a mock circulatory loop, a centrifugal-flow LVAD (HeartMate 3, Abbott, Abbott Park, IL, USA) with (Accessory) and without the accessory (Control) was compared under physiological conditions using a water/glycerol solution as a blood substitute.