Our researchers have developed a novel ventricular assist device (VAD) that is placed directly inside a failing ventricular cavity to help it pump blood correctly again. This device consists of a self-expanding stent that contains a sac and inlet/outlet ports that allow compression fluids to generate contractile forces that pump the blood out. Unlike the current solution – continuous flow VADs – this invention does not require open heart surgery; instead, it is inserted into the heart via established (and safer) cardiac catheterization and transapical techniques. The safety benefits of an intra-cardiac VAD also include significantly decreased risk of severe complications, such as GI bleeding, Von Willebrand disease, and hemolysis. Patients with failing ventricles can be treated with a less invasive and safer, yet equally effective VAD to improve heart function.
Illustration of the Experimental Flow Loop for the Study of a Similar Device (Avrahami et al)