A New LVAD Performs Strongly in a Randomized Trial

Compared with the axial-flow HeartMate II, the magnetically levitated centrifugal-flow HeartMate 3 significantly reduced rates of thrombotic pump malfunction.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), as a bridge to cardiac transplantation or as destination therapy, have transformed the treatment of advanced heart failure (HF). However, the two currently FDA-approved devices, HeartMate II and HeartWare, are associated with serious complications, including pump thrombosis. One possible explanation for thrombosis occurrence is the axial-flow design of the devices. HeartMate 3 is a magnetically levitated centrifugal-flow circulatory pump designed to decrease thrombosis risk by reducing shear stress and permitting rapid rotor-speed changes that create an artificial pulse and reduce blood stasis.

In this manufacturer-sponsored, nonblinded trial, investigators randomized 294 adults with advanced HF (mean…

Reviewing Author

Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH, FACC, FAHA

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBristol Myers Squibb; CPC Clinical Research

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; American College of Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (SAP)

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology (Chair, Innovations Committee)