The REMATCH trial demonstrated that end-stage heart failure patients supported by a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) provided better patient outcomes than optimal medical management therapy. Despite significant improvements in pump design, performance, and reliability that save lives and restores quality of life, physicians are reluctant to refer patients in less advanced stages of heart failure for LVAD technology. HeartWare (Miami Lakes, FL) is developing a miniature ventricular assist device (MVAD) that may be implanted less invasively and 'off-pump'to treat larger target population of HF patients. The HeartWare MVAD is an axial flow blood pump that uses a 'wide blade'impeller with dual hydrodynamic bearings on each blade to deliver up to 6 L/m flow. The device consists of an anchor section that is attached to the external surface of the myocardium near the apex, a standpipe that carries the drive cables external to the left ventricle and holds the pump housing off of the internal myocardial surface, a pump housing that contains the MVAD core assembly and a vane diffuser, and a outflow cannula that crosses the aortic valve The clinical benefits of this approach include the opportunity to treat patients with less advanced HF, improved patient outcomes, shorter recovery times, and lower hospital costs. The objective of this proposal is to develop minimally invasive surgical procedure and complete feasibility testing of the HeartWare MVAD.
In Specific Aim 1, we will complete feasibility testing of the HeartWare MVAD in acute and 30-day chronic large animal models to assess device performance and hemocompatability, and evaluate anatomical fit and develop surgical procedures in human cadavers. The proposed feasibility testing studies will be conducted at the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute (CII) at the University of Louisville (UofL). If successful, in Phase 2 we will complete development of the HeartWare MVAD and perform long-term GLP animal implants in preparation of an FDA submission for clinical trials. )

Public Health Relevance

HeartWare (Miami Lakes, FL) is developing a miniature ventricular assist device (MVAD) that can be implanted 'off pump'and using a less invasive surgical procedure. The clinical benefits of the HeartWare MVAD include the opportunity to treat patients with less advanced HF, improved patient outcomes, shorter recovery times, and lower hospital costs.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
1R43HL103014-01A1
Application #
8057276
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-CVRS-B (10))
Program Officer
Baldwin, Tim
Project Start
2011-04-14
Project End
2012-09-30
Budget Start
2011-04-14
Budget End
2012-09-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$385,813
Indirect Cost
Name
Heartware, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
146054536
City
Miami Lakes
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
33014
Tamez, Daniel; LaRose, Jeffrey A; Shambaugh, Charles et al. (2014) Early feasibility testing and engineering development of the transapical approach for the HeartWare MVAD ventricular assist system. ASAIO J 60:170-7
Giridharan, Guruprasad A; Lee, Thomas J; Ising, Mickey et al. (2012) Miniaturization of mechanical circulatory support systems. Artif Organs 36:731-9
Slaughter, Mark S; Giridharan, Guruprasad A; Tamez, Dan et al. (2011) Transapical miniaturized ventricular assist device: design and initial testing. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 142:668-74
Slaughter, Mark S; Ising, Michael S; Tamez, Daniel et al. (2010) Increase in circadian variation after continuous-flow ventricular assist device implantation. J Heart Lung Transplant 29:695-7