In a new study, researchers have developed a new heart pump to help people with heart failure.
The new left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is an artificial heart pump used as an interim support measure for people with heart failure who are under consideration for a transplant and unlikely to otherwise survive the wait for a donor heart.
In contrast to existing LVADs, the new device is smaller and safer to implant.
The research was conducted by a team from the University of Leicester.
According to the team, a key feature of the device is that fitting it doesn’t require major surgery—with a small “keyhole” incision, it can be inserted through the chest wall.
Another benefit is that it doesn’t sit inside the heart, reducing the risk of infection and blood clotting.
The researchers say the technology has the potential to save and improve the quality of lives of patients worldwide.
People who’ve had a severe heart attack can deteriorate rapidly with heart pump failure and often isn’t well enough to be transferred for open-heart surgery under a general anesthetic.
This new device that can be implanted through the skin using techniques commonly used in most heart attack centers so it is available when and where it’s needed.
For patients who only need temporary support, it can also be easily taken out when the heart has had time to recover.
In addition, the new device is developed in parallel with simultaneous advances in battery technology.
The development of smaller, lighter batteries that can potentially be re-charged across the skin.
The team is looking to move the device to human testing in around two and a half years.
They hope in the future, the device could be used to help the large population of people living with heart failure as well as those who are newly diagnosed.
One author of the study is Dr. David Adlam, an associate professor and interventional cardiologist.
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