A new fully implantable Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) has been developed by Medtronics for patients suffering from advanced heart failure.
The LVAD system includes an implanted heart pump that increases the amount of blood circulating through the body.
The pump is connected to a driveline cable, extending outside the body to a controller, and then connected to power sources (AC or DC adapter, batteries).
The ventricular assist devices provide mechanical circulatory support to patients with weakened hearts, helping pump oxygenated blood from the left ventricle into the ascending aorta.
The implant can be used as a bridge to a heart transplant or as a destination therapy for patients who are not candidates for transplant.
Currently, the device is in the early stages of development and is not yet available for commercial use. It's designed to be fully implanted inside the body.
The US FDA has given its breakthrough designation for the device.
