New Technologies:

The CentriMag VAD

(Levitronix)

I was asked by one of our surgeons about this device.  Having not seen it personally, I wanted to solicit opinions of individuals that have had the opportunity to either trial it- or have seen a demonstration of this device.  Any and all comments would be appreciated, please leave them in the comments section (click here to leave comments

So here is what I have found out so far …

“The CentriMag VAS (not sure what the ‘S’ stands for) was developed for support of patients with cardiac dysfunction and failure-to-wean from cardiopulmonary bypass. The device is specifically indicated to treat patients who are hemodynamically unstable and unable to be moved from the operating room without mechanical circulatory support. The device is used for up to 30 days to support one or both sides of the heart as a bridge to decision, when it is unclear whether the patient’s heart will recover or whether the patient will need alternative, longer-term therapy or transplantation.”  (Levitronix literature)

Less Hemolysis …

“The Levitronix pump causes very little damage to the blood because it does not contain any bearings or seals—components that are known to cause hemolysis and promote thrombus formation. In addition, the pump does not contain any flexing sacs, diaphragms, or valves, minimizing the risk of component failure and device-related adverse effects.”  (Texas Heart Institute)

Below is a promotional video by the manufacturer.  Good graphics and design views.  Click on it to play …

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA_r6ji4Cfo&feature=player_detailpage]

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Magnetic Bearings …

“The CentriMag and PediMag Blood Pumps use magnetic forces to levitate and rotate the pump impeller. Figure 1 shows a cross section of a magnetically levitated centrifugal blood pump. With a magnetically levitated blood pump the impeller is held in place by a magnetic field. The magnetic field is not static as in a conventional pump. For the Levitronix Systems, the magnetic field is varied moment by moment as the load on the pump changes. This feedback process reacts constantly to keep the impeller in a precise position.”  (Levitronix literature)

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Clinical trials …

“In the United States, the Levitronix CentriMag LVAS is still under investigation for use as a short-term device that would provide circulatory support of up to 14 days for patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (those who have developed heart failure as a result of heart  surgery).”  (Texas Heart Institute)

The Texas Heart Institute is one of four centers enrolling patients for this study.

Click to read more about the Texas Heart Institute and the CentriMag

Approvals :

Ok.  So that’s what I have gathered so far.

This discussion becomes “great” if I can get what I am really after …  the analysis and recommendations from my peers regarding this device.

Now that would represent some seriously solid input.   Far more substantial than the end results of a google search.

Thanks guys 🙂

Frank