OBJECTIVE: The objective is to present the results of the application this device in experimental animals unloading only the left ventricle. METHODS: Between June 2002 and October 2009, were implanted in 27 calfs with age between 2½ to 4 months and 80 to 100 kg of weight, with general anaesthesia and controled ventilation, by mean of left thoracotomy a cannula in the apex of VE and a lateral anastomose of a GTFE vascular graft tube in the descending portion of the thoracic aorta, both connected to the device implanted below the diaphragm in the subcutaneous (24) and intrathoracic (three). The cardiopulmonary bypass (BP) was used in five calves, and directly introduce the outflow cannula in 22. RESULTS: During the implant two and in the first hours of the post operative period (PO) three deaths were observed, one related to the device. The survival between the first and the six PO day was found in 17 calves and between day 8 and day 31 (PO) in five all caused by clinical/surgical problems, and related to the device. The hemodynamic impact by the systemic pressure analysis showed 20 to 40 mmHg increase and the laboratory parameters showed lower levels of traumatic impact to the blood and a good biocompatibility. CONCLUSIONS: This kind of research is arduous and complex where at each experiment many problems are indentified in the implantability and in the device, which are sistematic correct, to became device/procedure safe and effective.
Heart Failure; Heart, Artificial; Heart-Assist Devices; Long-Term Care
