Abstract |
The C-Pulse System is an implantable, extra-aortic, non-blood-contacting counterpulsation device, investigational in the United States and intended for use as a heart assist device for heart failure (NYHA class III-ambulatory IV) patients. As long-term effects of this implantable extra-aortic counterpulsation device on the aortic wall structure are not well established, we examined the histological and clinical data of a patient supported on the device for 21 months. A 58-year-old woman diagnosed with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NYHA III) remained symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy and dual chamber pacemaker. She was listed for heart transplant, and a C-Pulse device was implanted. One month after implantation, her symptoms improved from NYHA class III to class I, and her cardiac output increased from 3.5 to 5.5 L/min. She received a heart transplant 21 months after device implantation. Tissue samples from her ascending aorta were obtained. They appeared normal on macroscopic examination. Microscopic examination revealed a normal intima and media, with no disruption; a mild neutrophilic inflammation was noted on the adventitia. Extended extra-aortic counterpulsation with the C-Pulse device provided hemodynamics and symptoms improvement in a class III heart failure patient and does not appear to significantly alter aortic wall structures.
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Authors | Allen Cheng, Gretel Monreal, Matthew L William, Michael Sobieski 2nd, Mark S Slaughter |
Journal | ASAIO journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
(ASAIO J)
2014 Nov-Dec
Vol. 60
Issue 6
Pg. e5-7
ISSN: 1538-943X [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 25158886
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Aorta
(pathology, surgery)
- Cardiomyopathies
(pathology, physiopathology, surgery)
- Counterpulsation
(adverse effects, instrumentation)
- Female
- Heart Failure
(pathology, physiopathology, surgery)
- Heart Transplantation
- Heart-Assist Devices
(adverse effects)
- Hemodynamics
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Time Factors
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