In Vivo Hemodynamic Evaluation of CH-VAD in a Bovine Model for 14 Days

The CH-VAD is a centrifugal-flow magnetically levitated (maglev) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) used to treat end-stage heart failure. It is implanted in the chest cavity; the inflow cannula is inserted into the apex of the left ventricle, and the outflow graft is anastomosed to the aorta. Among several key VAD system improvements, the CH-VAD has a smaller body size than other LVADs and its maglev system offers a large-gap design that makes it superior in terms of hemocompatibility. In this study, we implanted the CH-VAD in a calf and evaluated the hemodynamic and hemocompatibility characteristics over a 14-day period. The hemodynamic parameters, the pump data, and blood test results were recorded throughout the study. The results showed that the CH-VAD provided hemodynamic stability. Hemocompatibility testing indicated negligible hemolysis throughout the study, and no signs of infection were seen. On necropsy, the results showed only expected focal mild-to-moderate adhesions between the pericardial sac (along the pump) and the adjacent rib cage, and between the pericardial sac and the heart. Gross examination of internal organs was unremarkable. Examination of the CH-VAD after explantation revealed no evidence of thrombus formation internally or around the inflow or outflow cannulas.