Mechanical Cardiac Support With an Implantable Direct Cardiac Compression Device: Proof of Concept

Purpose: We examined the hemodynamic effects of a new, implantable, direct cardiac assist device in an ovine heart failure model.

Description: The device, which encompasses both left and right ventricles, is inserted through the pericardial apex and self-expands to encompass the heart without suturing. The intact pericardium anchors the device in place. The device has 2 concentric chamber layers: an internal chamber layer filled with fluid to conform to the heart and an external chamber layer filled with air that provides external compression and negative pressure to aid relaxation.

Evaluation: The device was implanted in 7 sheep with heart failure induced by microsphere embolization. Cardiac performance was assessed for 6 to 8 hours. The cardiac assist device provided cardiac systolic and diastolic assistance, as shown by pressure tracings of the left ventricle and aorta, pulmonary artery flow, and +dP/dt. Central venous pressure decreased during cardiac assistance. No anatomic damage was noted postmortem.

Conclusions: Systolic and diastolic cardiac assistance can be achieved with this device that compresses and relaxes in synchrony with the native cardiac cycle.