Performance of extracorporeally adjustable ventricular assist device inflow cannula.

Purpose. This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a newly developed adjustable left ventricular assist device inflow cannula in a short-term calf model. Description. In this inflow cannula, the angle between the cannula body and the inflow cannula tip can be altered extracorporeally by manipulating 2 externalized cables connected to the cannula. The cannula tip is adjustable in any plane to a maximum of +/-15 degrees. Evaluation. After initial prototyping in 4 calf cadavers, a Cleveland Heart left ventricular assist device was implanted with the adjustable inflow cannula placed in the left ventricular apex and the outlet to the descending aorta. Under hypovolemic conditions, the angle of the cannula tip could be changed to induce varying degrees of ventricular suction and then eliminate it, as evidenced by recorded pump and native left ventricular flows. Epicardial echocardiography and fluoroscopy in the closed-chest condition documented extracorporeal adjustments of the inflow cannula position. Conclusions. This extracorporeally adjustable inflow cannula was effective in preventing or controlling left ventricular suction. (Ann Thorac Surg 2010;90:1682-7) (C) 2010 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons