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Evaluation of a Novel Ventricular Support Device with Defibrillation Capabilities in Canine and Porcine Animal Models
Author(s) -
KILLINGSWORTH CHERYL R.,
RIPPY MARIAN K.,
VIRMANI RENU,
ROLLINS DENNIS L.,
McGIFFIN DAVID C.,
IDEKER RAYMOND E.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.193
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1540-8167
pISSN - 1045-3873
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-8167.2008.01132.x
Subject(s) - medicine , defibrillation , ventricular fibrillation , cardiology , animal model , animal study , surgery
Introduction: Sudden death is prevalent in heart failure patients. We tested an implantable ventricular support device consisting of a wireform harness with one or two pairs of integrated defibrillation electrode coils. Methods and Results: The device was implanted into six pigs (36–44 kg) through a subxiphoid incision. Peak voltage (V) defibrillation thresholds (DFT) were determined for five test configurations compared with a control transvenous lead (RV to CanPect). Defibrillator can location (abdominal or pectoral) and common coil separation on the implant (0° or 60°) were studied. . The DFT for RV60 to LV60 + CanPect was significantly less than control (348 ± 57 vs 473 ± 27 V, P < 0.05). The DFTs for other vectors were similar to control except for RV0 to LV0 + CanAbd (608 ± 159 V). The device was implanted into 12 adult dogs for 42, 90, or 180 days with DFT and pathological examination performed at the terminal study. Cardiac pressures were determined at baseline, after implantation, and at the terminal study. The DFT was also determined in a separate group of four dogs at 42 days following implantation of the support device with one pair of defibrillation electrodes. The DFTs at implant and explant in dogs with one pair (8 ± 1.5 Joules [J] and 6 ± 1.9 J) or two pairs (8 ± 3.4 J and 7 ± 1.9 J) of defibrillation electrodes were not significantly different from each other but significantly less than control measured at the terminal study (18 ± 3.4 J). Left‐sided pressures were significantly decreased at explant but within expected normal ranges. Right‐sided pressures were not different except for RV systolic. Histopathology indicated mild to moderate epicardial inflammation and fibrosis, consistent with a foreign body healing response. Conclusions: This defibrillation‐enabled ventricular support system maintained mechanical functionality for up to 6 months while inducing typical chronic healing responses. The DFT was equal to or lower than a standard transvenous vector.