The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jan 2014
Implantable physiologic controller for left ventricular assist devices with telemetry capability.
Rotary type left ventricular assist devices have mitigated the problem of durability associated with earlier pulsatile pumps and demonstrated improved survival. However, the compromise is the loss of pulsatility due to continuous flow and retained percutaneous driveline leading to increased mortality and morbidity. Lack of pulsatility is implicated in increased gastrointestinal bleeding, aortic incompetence, and diastolic hypertension. We present a novel, wirelessly powered, ultra-compact, implantable physiologic controller capable of running a left ventricular assist device in a pulsatile mode with wireless power delivery. ⋯ Our test results prove the system to be remarkably safe, accurate, and efficient. The unique combination of wireless powering and small footprint makes this system an ideal totally implantable physiologic left ventricular assist device system.