Abstract Details

Presented By:Khanwilkar, Pratap
Affiliated with:WorldHeart Inc., Rotary Systems & Business Development
Authors:Pratap Khanwilkar
From:WorldHeart Inc.
Title
Developments in Magnetically Levitated Rotary Blood Pumps
Abstract

WorldHeart’s 4th-generation LevacorTM VAD is the only bearingless, fully magnetically levitated implantable centrifugal rotary pump to have seen clinical use.


The Levacor VAD has evolved from early concept at the University of Utah to proof of technology feasibility by a spin-off, MedQuest Products Inc., to a product, one of the most sophisticated medical devices ever, leading to its demonstration of clinical feasibility by its commercializer, WorldHeart Inc.


WorldHeart’s current focus is on activities that will allow the Levacor VAD system, with a wearable and user-friendly electronics configuration, to be evaluated for safety and efficacy in the Bridge-To-Transplant indication. An IDE application was submitted earlier this year and the trial is anticipated to begin in 2009.


This blood pump technology is being adapted for two additional blood pump products: a smaller MiVADTM designed to provide a lower degree of support for less-sick heart failure patients, and the PediaflowTM VAD for neonates born with congenital heart defects who need corrective surgery. Significant progress has been made on the Pediaflow VAD, with promising results in chronic animal trials.