J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 103(9): 607-610, 2002

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Feature topic

LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST SYSTEM WITH A MAGNETICALLY LEVITATED IMPELLER TECHNOLOGY

After the accumulation of clinical experience with the current generation of pulsatile implantable left ventricular assist systems (LVAS), these devices have demonstrated major limitations : high incidence of thromboembolic complications : large size : high infection rate; and limited long-term durability. To address the Iimitations of current-generation LVAS, second- and third-generation LVAS utilizing rotary blood pump technology are currently undergoing clinical trials and the final stage of product development. Among them, the rotary blood pump with a magnetically levitated impeller is one of the most promising pumps for long-term circulatory assist. The Terumo DuraHeart^TM LVAS is one of the third-generation LVAS using a centrifugal pump with a magnetically levitated impeller. This article describes the characteristics of the DuraHeart^TM LVAS and its developlnent status.

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