The HeartWare Ventricular Assist System
is miniaturized ventricular assist device that is used for the treatment of advanced heart failure. The HVAD® System allows heart failure programs to treat a broad range of patients, improve patient survival and patient quality of life.The unique integrated inflow cannula of the HVAD® Pump allows it to fit into small framed patients, yet the HVAD Pump is powerful enough to support large framed or obese patients. The advantages over other devices:
*Less extensive incision
*Eliminates the pump pocket
*Driveline exit site options
To date, more than 1500 patients in the USA have received the HeartWare.
The Pump
HeartWare HVAD is the main component of the HeartWare system it's an implantable centrifugal blood pump, called the HVAD pump. The pump is implanted and contained completely within the pericardial space. The HVAD pump has only 1 moving part—the impeller. Suspended within the pump using magnets and thrust bearings, the impeller's wide blades are set at an incline. When the impeller spins, blood flows across the inclined surface of the blades, creating a "cushion" between the impeller and the pump housing. A driveline cable, which exits the body through the skin, delivers power to the impeller. The HVAD pump does not have any mechanical bearings, and the impeller's suspended design means there
is no contact between the impeller and the pump housing. The HeartWare can be operated at 2400 and 3200 revolutions per minute, which will generate a pump flow rate of up to 10 liters per minute.
The Control System
Pump speeds are controlled by a controller powered either by 2 batteries or by 1 battery and an adapter that can be plugged into
a wall or vehicle outlet. Thecontroller monitors the pump function and the remaining power in the batteries. Signals and alarms notify patients of any problems. Both the controller and the batteries are held in a carrying case, which patients can wear around their waist or over their shoulder.