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. 1976;3(3):249–288.

AN INTRACORPOREAL (ABDOMINAL) LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE [ALVAD], XXX: CLINICAL READINESS AND INITIAL TRIALS IN MAN

John C Norman 1
PMCID: PMC287607  PMID: 15216148

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to present documenting evidence of the clinical readiness of an abdominal left ventricular assist device (ALVAD) according to NHLI criteria,‡ and the initiation of clinical trials of this device in otherwise irretrievable adult post-cardiotomy patients at the Texas Heart Institute of St. Luke's Episcopal and Texas Children's Hospitals. The ALVAD system has been developed, modified, and improved under NHLI auspices over the last eight years,‡‡ with annual reviews. Over 20,000 hours of in-vivo testing in the calf have been accomplished in our laboratories. The current clinical trials underwent two federal reviews (May 22, 1973 and October 17, 1974) and were the topic of an Ad Hoc Workshop at NHLI on October 28, 1973.‡‡‡ More recently, a consecutive series of 26 bovine ALVAD implantations were undertaken; acute and chronic hemodynamic effectiveness with maintenance or augmentation of the systemic circulation during profound ventricular unloading without undue blood trauma, intra-or extra-prosthetic thrombosis, or sepsis was demonstrated; no biomaterials problems were encountered. In-vivo realibility and durability, histologic and pathologic results were detailed, summarized, and submitted to NHLI. Patient acceptability surveys and geometric and volumetric human configuration studies were analyzed. Categorizations of the patients at risk in our institutions and the needs for such a device were documented. The periods of intended use (two weeks-one month), weaning procedures, and the possibility of pump dependence have been discussed. The legal, moral, ethical and informed consent issues were addressed. Clinical protocols (anesthesia, surgical, cardiologic, hematologic, engineering, computerized data-acquisition, follow-up) and cost analyses were developed. The device has now been used in four terminal patients since December, 1975; all subsequently succumbed, but their circulations were temporarily supported during total left ventricular unloading for periods up to eight hours. Continued systematic, controlled clinical investigations of this nature are warranted. A comprehensive listing of pertinent references is included.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

  1. Carlos C. J., Edmonds C. H., Fuqua J. M., Hibbs C. W., Igo S. R., Nitta S., Norman J. C. Production of controlled reversible left ventricular failure in calves using intracoronary lidocaine hydrochloride: a useful method of evaluating left ventricular assist devices. Ann Thorac Surg. 1976 Mar;21(3):209–214. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(10)64293-2. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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