P16: Dual Continuous-Flow Ventricular Assist Devices Operation With a Single Controller: Early Assessment for Biventricular Support

Abstract

Objective: The biventricular assist device (BVAD) is a treatment option for severe biventricular heart failure (BHF). For left and/or right ventricular assist device (LVAD and/or RVAD), a standalone controller unit is required for operation and control. In this work we sought to evaluate the feasibility of dual-device setup using continuous-flow (CF) universal ventricular assist device (UVAD, Fig. 1A) operation using a single controller unit. Methods: Two pneumatic pumps (Abiomed AB5000™, Danvers, MA, USA incorporated into the biventricular circulatory mock loop were used for simulation) driven by a dual-output driver (Thoratec Model 2600, Pleasanton, CA, USA) were used to simulate the left and right heart failure conditions. Systolic BHF conditions were simulated and two UVAD configurations (LVAD - primary controller mode, RVAD - secondary controller mode, set at 80% of LVAD work) were tested at various speeds for performance. Custom user interface software was developed to enable intuitive control and monitoring of the device (Fig. 1B). Results: The hemodynamic requirements were met in both RVAD and LVAD arrangement (Fig. 1C,D). The LVAD flow values provided guidance for RVAD control. In all simulated BHF conditions, both LVAD and RVAD (UVADs) provided optimal performance and demonstrated stable hemodynamics. Conclusion: The feasibility of a single controller system architecture for dual CF device operation has been shown. Both UVAD’s demonstrated optimal performance and communication for dual-device support configurations in BHF. Future direction should consist of technology characterization and optimizations.Figure 1. A - UVAD design; B - BVAD controller interface. Red window, LVAD (primary); Blue window, RVAD (secondary); C- LVAD performance; D –RVAD performance.