Results from a multicenter study published in the latest Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery indicate that the HeartNet device, from Paracor Medical, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA), offers improved clinical and functional status in patients with congestive heart failure. HeartNet is a nitinol-based mesh-like wrap designed to be permanently placed around the ventricles of the failing heart in patients with severe dilated cardiomyopathy:
One feature of the HeartNet™ – versus other surgical heart failure treatment techniques – is that the HeartNet™ is delivered to patients during a less invasive procedure. An innovative delivery system places the expandable, mesh-like wrap (the HeartNet™) permanently around the ventricles of the failing heart to help reduce the work the heart must perform during every heartbeat.
The procedure is performed using a “mini-thoracotomy” approach that avoids open-chest surgery. Here’s how it works:
A cardiac surgeon places the HeartNet™ over the failing heart by stretching the elastic device over the heart’s ventricles. When the HeartNet™ is “released” it tries to return to its original size, which creates a gentle “squeeze” around the heart.
Flouroscopy, or X-ray, is used to check that the device remains stretched and “supporting” the muscles of the walls of the heart during each heart beat. The procedure is done under general anesthesia, while the heart is beating, and is typically completed in under 90 minutes. Recovery time in the hospital typically lasts 5-6 days.
Abstract: Worldwide surgical experience with the Paracor HeartNet cardiac restraint device J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2008;135:188-195
Product page: HeartNet™ Procedure …
Flashbacks: CorCap ; The MYO-VAD™; Corset for Congestive Heart.
