The purpose of this manuscript is to briefly review indications, management, and outcomes for the total artificial heart. Video operative techniques for device implantation are presented.
With advances in technology, the use of mechanical circulatory support devices for end stage heart failure has rapidly increased. The vast majority of such patients are generally well served by left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). However, a subset of patients with late stage biventricular failure or other significant anatomic lesions are not adequately treated by isolated left ventricular mechanical support. Examples of concomitant cardiac pathology that may be better treated by resection and TAH replacement includes: post infarction ventricular septal defect, aortic root aneurysm / dissection, cardiac allograft failure, massive ventricular thrombus, refractory malignant arrhythmias (independent of filling pressures), hypertrophic / restrictive cardiomyopathy, and complex congenital heart disease. Patients often present with cardiogenic shock and multi system organ dysfunction. Excision of both ventricles and orthotopic replacement with a total artificial heart (TAH) is an effective, albeit extreme, therapy for rapid restoration of blood flow and resuscitation. Perioperative management is focused on end organ resuscitation and physical rehabilitation. In addition to the usual concerns of infection, bleeding, and thromboembolism common to all mechanically supported patients, TAH patients face unique risks with regard to renal failure and anemia. Supplementation of the abrupt decrease in brain natriuretic peptide following ventriculectomy appears to have protective renal effects. Anemia following TAH implantation can be profound and persistent. Nonetheless, the anemia is generally well tolerated and transfusion are limited to avoid HLA sensitization. Until recently, TAH patients were confined as inpatients tethered to a 500 lb pneumatic console driver. Recent introduction of a backpack sized portable driver (currently under clinical trial) has enabled patients to be discharged home and even return to work. Despite the profound presentation of these sick patients, there is a 79-87% success in bridge to transplantation.
The first human implantation of a total artificial heart (TAH) in 1969 was performed by Denton Cooley in a 47 year old male who was unable to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass following left ventricular aneurysm repair. The experimental device provided hemodynamic support for 64 hr until a donor heart could be found. Although technically successful, device support was complicated by hemolysis and renal failure. The patient would go on to die from overwhelming sepsis 32 hr after transplantation1. A second attempt by Cooley in 1981 had similar unfortunate results2. In 1982, William DeVries performed the widely publicized permanent first implant of the Jarvik-7 TAH into a 61 year old dentist. The patient had a difficult postoperative course marked by recurrent respiratory failure, fracture of the prosthetic mitral valve strut requiring replacement of device, sepsis, stroke, intermittent renal failure, and bleeding related to anticoagulation. He ultimately succumbed after 112 days to pseudomembranous colitis3.
Despite these initial discouraging results, progressive refinement in device design, patient selection, and patient management have led to marked improvement in outcomes. The Jarvik-7 has since evolved into the Syncardia TAH, which remains the only FDA approved TAH in clinical use today. To date, over 1,000 implants have been performed worldwide4.
We present our institutional operative techniques in the context of a video case report.
Case Presentation:
The patient is a 60 year old male with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He has developed progressive heart failure symptoms over the past 10 years with recent multiple readmissions for decompensated heart failure. He was started on chronic IV milrinone and was listed for heart transplantation. His PMH is notable for atrial arrhythmias s/p ablation, recurrent pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, left atrial thrombus, and prior stroke. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing demonstrated a low maximal oxygen consumption ( VO2 max 10.6 ml/kg min). Imaging was notable for severe LV hypertrophy with moderate to severely reduced systolic function, and no LV outflow tract obstruction (LVEF 25-30%, LVIDd 5.0 cm, IVSd 1.5 cm, LVPWd 1.5 cm). He had a large left atrial thrombus in the appendage and a possible LV thrombus as well. Hemodynamics (on milrinone 0.5 mcg/kg/min) were notable for: RA 17 mmHg, PCWP 37 mmHg, PA 74/35 mmHg, and Fick CI 1.4 L/min/m2. Due to his restrictive myopathy and small LV cavity, he was considered to be a poor candidate for isolated left ventricular assist device.
1. The Device
2. Indications
3. Preparation of the Device
4. Implantation
From April 2006 through July 2012, 66 patients were implanted with a TAH at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. Patients were critically ill: 18% were on other mechanical support (ECMO, LVAD, or BiVAD), 58% were on an intra-aortic balloon pump, 58% were on inotropic medications, 17% were mechanically ventilated, and 17% were on hemodialysis. Patients were supported for a total of 7863 days. Median duration of support was 87.5 days (range 1 to 602 days). 10 patients were discharged home on a portable discharge driver (as part of a clinical trial, not FDA approved). 50 (76%) patients were successfully bridged to transplantation, 7 (11%) remained on the device awaiting transplantation, and 9 (14%) died while on the device (Figure 10). 3 of the deaths occurred in the 1st week following implantation and were related to progressive multisystem organ failure. The other 6 deaths occurred from 32 to 169 days post implant (3 sepsis / MSOF, 1 mediastinal bleeding, 1 intracranial hemorrhage, and 1 hypertensive crisis). The most frequent perioperative adverse event was bleeding requiring mediastinal re-exploration in 30%.
Figure 1. The Syncardia total artificial heart.
Figure 2. Measuring AP dimension by CT. A space > 10 cm between the sternum and the anterior border of the 10th vertebral body is generally required for the device to fit.
Figure 3. Pretreating the arterial outflow grafts. The aortic and pulmonary artery grafts are presealed with Coseal Surgical Sealant, a synthetic hydrogel used as an adjunctive sealant for vascular grafts. Previously the grafts were preclotted with patient's own blood prior to heparinization.
Figure 4. Excision of the right and left ventricle. The RV and LV are excised leaving a 1 cm ventricular cuff beyond the mitral and tricuspid annulus. Arrows point to the incision along the anterior wall of the RV. The incisions are extended through the left and right ventricular outflow tracts and through the aortic and pulmonic valves.
Figure 5. Oversewing the coronary sinus. The coronary sinus (arrow) is oversewn through the RV cuff (the tricuspid leaflets have been excised) for hemostasis.
Figure 6. Ligating atrial appendage. The left atrial appendage is ligated with a Seamguard-reinforced endo GIA stapler to minimize a potential source for systemic emboli.
Figure 7. Quick connects and Goretex Preclude implanted. The atrial quick connects and vascular grafts are sewn to their respective orifices. The pericardium is lined with Goretex membrane to facilitate subsequent reentry for transplantation.
Figure 8. Device implanted. The device implanted just prior to chest closure.
Figure 9. Pericardial apical saline implant as demonstrated on CT imaging and CXR. A saline implant (single arrows) is used to maintain the pericardial apical space for transplantation. In the CXR, the edge of the TAH (where the pericardium would otherwise contract) is delineated by the central air bubble (double arrows).
Figure 10. VCU Outcomes. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrating survival to transplantation and overall survival following TAH implant.
Artificial replacement of the human heart has long captured the public's imagination. Early experience with the total artificial heart was marked by suboptimal outcomes1-3. The design and implantation techniques for the TAH used today have not changed significantly since Dr. DeVries' original description6. However, refinements in patient selection (as a bridge to transplant) and understanding of perioperative management have led to significant improvement in outcomes. In 2004, a landmark study of 81 TAH implants was published. The trial established the efficacy of the TAH as a bridge to transplantation and led to FDA approval of the Syncardia TAH. In this nonrandomized study, 79% were successfully bridged to transplantation. Overall survival at 1 year was 70%. In a matched cohort of 35 patients who met study criteria but did not undergo TAH implantation, 46% survived to transplantation and 1 year survival was 31%7.
Patient selection is critical to good outcomes8,9. It is important to identify patients that have not yet developed irreversible end organ failure or other complications which would limit their likelihood for resuscitation or transplant candidacy. At our institution, findings of cirrhosis by liver biopsy, chronic dialysis dependency, or other psychosocial factors that would preclude transplant candidacy would also preclude candidacy for a TAH. Conversely, patients with acute decompensation or other evidence for potential end organ recovery are considered.
It is equally important to identify patients with biventricular failure whose right ventricular (RV) dysfunction will improve with isolated LV unloading and thus do not need biventricular circulatory support. RV failure following LVAD implantation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality10. Early use of biventricular support compared to delayed rescue for RV failure following LVAD is also associated with improved outcomes11. A number of risk factors for RV failure have been identified and several risk scoring systems have been developed. The need for inotropic / intra-aortic balloon pump support, evidence of renal and hepatic dysfunction (elevated creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin), hemodynamic evidence of RV dysfunction (decreased RV stroke work index, increased right atrial / wedge pressures), and echocardiographic evidence of RV dysfunction (RV dilatation, decreased RV ejection fraction / tricuspid annular motion, increased tricuspid regurgitation) have all been identified as risk factors12-15. Nonetheless, determination of risk for RV failure after LVAD placement remains difficult. One recent small series demonstrated no predictive value from several of the scoring systems in predicting the need for RV support16.
Timing of surgery is an important consideration. Once the decision has been made that biventricular mechanical support is necessary, early implantation offers the most effective way to restore blood flow and resuscitate a patient. However, patients can present abruptly with profound acute cardiogenic shock, severe malperfusion, and minimal prior evaluation. Liberal use of temporary support options (such as ECMO / IABP) for 24-48 hrs can start the process of resuscitation while questions regarding neurologic status or other questions of transplant candidacy are being answered. Prolonged use of high dose inotropic support may increase the risk for irreversible end organ failure or other complications.
The general techniques of implantation have not changed dramatically since the device was first introduced6,17. However, the benefits of taking the time to protect and maintain the pericardial space should be emphasized18. The device appears to incite an intense inflammatory thickening of the pericardium. Lining the pericardium with Goretex and maintaining the apical space with a saline implant greatly facilitates the re-entry for transplantation. Perioperative bleeding remains the most frequent perioperative complication. Packing the chest with delayed sternal closure is an effective strategy to limit the amount of perioperative blood products needed to reverse underlying coagulopathy and minimize the risk for tamponade. Despite the relatively rigid shell of the artificial ventricles it is possible for enough mediastinal fluid to accumulate and impede venous inflow causing tamponade. Surface echocardiography following TAH implantation has limited utility. CT imaging if often limited by underlying renal dysfunction and need to avoid IV contrast. We recommend early mediastinal re-exploration in any TAH patient who is otherwise doing poorly for unknown reasons.
Following implantation, the device is adjusted to maximize cardiac output. It is capable of generating an output > 9 lpm. To minimize stasis, device parameters are adjusted for "partial filling and complete eject." Typical early postoperative TAH parameters are: Left drive pressure 180-200 mmHg, right drive pressure 30-60 mmHg, HR 100-120 bpm, % systole 50, and vacuum 15 mmHg. In patients with long standing pulmonary hypertension, the higher RV drive pressures required for full right sided ejection may be detrimental. It is possible to "overdrive" the right sided output. In 2 patients, this resulted in profound pulmonary edema requiring temporary venovenous ECMO support. One patient had progressive multisystem organ failure and expired. The other was supported until the edema subsided and was successfully weaned off of ECMO.
Anticoagulation is generally initiated 24 hrs after chest closure. Patients are started on bivalirudin (0.005 mg/kg/h), aspirin (81 mg daily), and dipyridamole (50 mg tid). Outside of the operating room, heparin is avoided to minimize the risk of heparin induced thrombocytopenia. Bivalirudin is generally not titrated and once stable transitioned to oral warfarin. Goals of therapy are an INR 2-3 and platelet function 20-40% normal by optical aggregometry. Patients with evidence of increased hemolysis (LDH > 1000) may benefit from the addition of pentoxifylline (400 mg TID)19,20.
Renal failure in acutely ill patients is clearly multifactorial. However, we have noticed a disproportionate tendency towards renal failure following TAH implantation. We hypothesize that this is in part related to the abrupt decrease in native natriuretic peptide production associated with ventricular excision. Perioperative supplementation with a low dose nesiritide infusion (0.005 mcg/kg/min) appears to reduce the incidence of renal failure21. Furthermore, infusion of nesiritide has a profound effect for increasing urine output after TAH implantation22. Once patients have recovered we have been able to discontinue the infusion in most patients. However, we have had a few patients who could not be weaned from the infusion until they were transplanted.
TAH patients often demonstrate significant chronic anemia. Causes include low grade hemolysis and ineffective erthryopoesis. Despite the anemia, TAH patients demonstrate good exertional tolerance and minimal symptoms even with hemoglobin concentrations of 5-6 g/dL. In order to avoid HLA sensitization and other associated complications, transfusions are avoided unless the patient is symptomatic or there are other sides of end organ malperfusion23.
Beyond the early postoperative period, care is focused on aggressive physical rehabilitation. Despite the severe presentation, the majority of patients were able to initiate physical therapy in the first postoperative week and most were able to start treadmill exercise by the second week. However, we have found that TAH patients demonstrate an abnormal blunting of the blood pressure response to exercise. This is in part related to the use of vasodilators to limit afterload24. While this could limit the amount of physical recovery, most patients go on to transplant before this is reached.
Until recently, TAH patients were hospital bound and tethered to a 418 lb console. As waiting times for donor organs continue to increase, this was accompanied by significantly reduced quality of life as well as increased financial costs. The introduction of a portable driver allowing discharge to home and even returning to work has been a major advance in the practical utility of the TAH. The Syncardia Freedom Driver (under clinical trial and not FDA approved) is a 14 lb, backpack sized driver with an electrically driven pneumatic piston25. Early experience with the driver has demonstrated that it is sensitive to afterload conditions and that an aggressive anti hypertensive drug regimen is necessary26.
In summary, current results have established the TAH as an effective device for resuscitation and subsequent bridge to transplantation. This cohort of patients represents an extreme end of the spectrum of end stage heart failure patients. Often there is no other suitable durable therapeutic option.
The authors have nothing to disclose.
Name of Reagent/Material | Company | Catalog Number | コメント |
Total artificial heart | Syncardia | ||
Preclude pericardial membrane | Gore | ||
Smooth saline breast implant | Mentor |