The UPenn School of Medicine says that its hospital is participating in a nationwide clinical trial of a new left ventricular support system from Thoratec Corporation. The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) has become “the first in the region to implant a HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System into a patient for ongoing, permanent support for late-stage heart failure, otherwise known as Destination Therapy.”
The device is 1.8 inches in diameter and 3.2 inches long, with cardiac output of up to 10 liters per minute. More about the system from Thoratec:
The HeartMate II LVAS represents the next generation of implantable devices in the HeartMate family of circulatory support products. The HeartMate II builds on the technology, utility, and commercial success of HeartMate’s first generation systems. Due to its small size the axial flow, HeartMate II is designed to address the need for smaller, long lasting devices for patients requiring long-term cardiac support.
The HeartMate II has incorporated advance control software designed to optimize blood flow generated by the device. Other design elements include a flexible Inflow Cannula, redundant control and power electronics, and a small and flexible driveline. All of these features have been included in an effort to increase patient quality of life while on support.
Product page @ Thoratec…