Heartmate II

The FDA recently approved a new left ventricular assist device (LVAD) called Heartmate II for patients that are not only waiting for a heart transplant but also for those who are not eligible for a heart transplant. This LVAD is surgically implanted in the left ventricle and connected to the aorta assisting the heart’s function by the use of a small motor that creates a continuous flow. The whole device is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. The motor is composed of a rotor that is powered by an electric current while suspended by a magnet. The recent approval for patients who are ineligible for transplants came because “46% of patients implanted with the device were still alive two years later.” This news is important because there is a large demand for donor hearts and these could be used instead, and these devices would not require immunosuppressant drugs; however, anticlotting medication is necessary. Another possible long term complication is that the device creates a continuous flow in the arteries and there is no determinate data that shows that this is safe for long term care. This article interests me because it shows the rapid advancement of medical care in cardiology toward the eventual development of a completely implantable artificial heart.

Sources:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34958522/ns/health-heart_health/

http://www.heartfailure.org/eng_site/whats_new_heartmate_ii.asp

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DeviceApprovalsandClearances/Recently-ApprovedDevices/ucm074231.htm


Stephen Infanger