The VentrAssist® LVAD is a new third generation cardiac assist system primarily designed as a permanent alternative to heart transplants for patients suffering heart failure.
It is a blood pump that connects to the left ventricle of the diseased heart to help the ailing heart's pumping function and assist in restoring a better quality of life.
It can also be used as a bridge to heart transplant and possibly as a bridge to recovery, where it may allow a deteriorating heart an opportunity to recuperate.
The VentrAssist® LVAD has only one moving part - a hydrodynamically suspended impeller.
It weighs just 298 grams (10oz) and measures 60mm (2.5 inches) in diameter, making it suitable for both children and adults.
The implanted parts of the VentrAssist® device use materials which are fully biocompatible including titanium alloys. Its components are light, strong, non-toxic and highly resistant to degradation within the body.
The VentrAssist® LVAD is an outstanding advance over older heart assist devices.
Its unique combination of features and benefits include:
Features
- small size
- patented hydrodynamicaly suspended impeller
- diamond-like carbon coating on blood contacting surfaces
- fully redundant back-up motor drive, controller and processor
Benefits
- outstanding biocompatibility
- assists the natural heart which is not removed
- no wearing parts
- advanced information management allows logging of critical data
