CardioNerds (Dr. Jenna Skowronski [Heart Failure Council Chair], Dr. Shazli Khan, and Dr. Josh Longinow) are joined by renowned leaders in the field of AHFTC (Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology) and mechanical circulatory support, Dr. Jeff Teuteberg and Dr. Mani Daneshmand to continue the discussion of advanced heart failure therapies by taking a deep dive into the world of durable LVADs (Left Ventricular Assist Devices). In this episode, we will review the history of ventricular assist devices, the basics of LVAD function, selection criteria for LVAD therapy, and surgical nuances of LVAD implantation. Audio Editing by CardioNerds intern, Joshua Khorsandi.

Enjoy this Circulation 2022 Paths to Discovery article to learn about the CardioNerds story, mission, and values.

CardioNerds Heart Success Series Page
CardioNerds Episode Page
CardioNerds Academy
Cardionerds Healy Honor Roll

CardioNerds Journal Club
Subscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter!
Check out CardioNerds SWAG!
Become a CardioNerds Patron!

Pearls

There have been significant advances in the field of MCS/LVAD therapy since the first implanted LVAD in the 1960s, to the first FDA approved device in the early 2000’s, to now the HM3 LVAD, with the most important change being a centrifugal flow/magnetically levitated design that led to minimized hemocompatibility-related adverse events (HRAE’s) (MOMENTUM 3 trial comparing HM2 and HM3).

The REMATCH trial in 2001 was a pivotal trial for LVAD therapy, demonstrating that in a population of patients with advanced HF (70% IV inotrope dependent), LVAD therapy significantly improved survival at both 1 and 2 years as compared to medical therapy alone.

MOMENTUM 3 trial was a landmark trial for the HM3 device, showing that in a population of end stage HF patients (86% inotrope dependent, 32% INTERMACS 1-2, and 60% DT strategy), 5-year survival with HM3 was 58% and HM3 had lower HRAE’s compared with HM2.

There are both patient-specific factors and surgical considerations when it comes to candidacy for LVAD therapy.

RV function prior to LVAD is a key determinant for success post-LVAD

Many patients being considered for LVAD may not have robust RV function, however, predicting RV failure after LVAD is exceedingly difficult.
In general, it doesn’t matter how bad the RV may look on imaging; we care more about the pre-LVAD hemodynamics (look at the PAPi and RA/wedge ratio).
What happens in the OR may be the most important determinant of how the RV will do with the LVAD!

Notes

Notes drafted by Dr. Josh Longinow.

1. Historical background of heart pumps and LVADs

LVAD Evolution
FDA approval year	2001	2008	2012	2017
Pump	HeartMate XVE	HeartMate II	Heartware HVAD	HeartMate III
Flow/Design Features	Pulsatile Technology	Continuous flow Axial design	Continuous flow Centrifugal design	Continuous flow Full MagLev + Centrifugal design

The 1960’s ushered in the first ‘LVADs’, when the first air-powered ‘LVAD’ was implanted. It kept the patient alive for four days before the patient expired.

The first generation of LVADs were pulsatile pumps

The first nationally recognized, FDA approved LVAD was the HeartMate XVE (late 1990s to early 2000s, REMATCH trial). The XVE pump used compressed air (pneumatically driven) to power the pump.
- Prior to the XVE, OHT was the standard of care for patients with advanced, end-stage heart failure.

The second and third generations of LVADs were non-pulsatile, continuous flow devices and included the HVAD, HM2, and HM3 devices.

MOMENTUM 3 was a landmark trial for the HM3 device, showing that in a population of sick patients with end stage HF (86% inotrope dependent, 32% INTERMACS 1-2, and 60% DT strategy), 5-year survival with HM3 was 58% and HM3 had lower HRAE’s compared with HM2.

The only pump that is currently FDA approved for implant is the HM3, although other pumps are in clinical trials (BrioVAD system, INNOVATE Trial).

2. What are LVADs, and how do they work?

In simplest terms, the LVAD is a heart pump comprised of several key mechanistic components:

Inflow cannula

Mechanical pump

Outflow cannula

Driveline

Controller/Power source

The HM3 differs from its predecessors (HM2 and HVAD) in several key ways;

HM3 is placed intrapericardial whereas the HM2 was plac...