System Components
HeartMate II system components include the implantable Left Ventricular Assist
Device (LVAD) or “blood pump” with its percutaneous lead, as well as the following
external peripheral components:
·
System Controller
·
Power Base Unit (PBU) and PBU cable
·
Batteries and battery clips
·
Emergency Power Pack (EPP)
·
System Monitor
·
Display Module
Note
: The following is only an overview of major system components. Refer to the
HeartMate II LVAS Operating Manual
for complete information.
HeartMate II LVAD or “Blood Pump”
The HeartMate II left ventricular assist
device (LVAD) or “blood pump” is a
continuous flow rotary LVAD (
Figure
2
). The LVAD has only one moving
part, a small spinning rotor that
receives power from the System
Controller. Vanes on the spinning rotor
move blood through the pump, which
is capable of providing flow from 3 to
10 liters per minute (lpm). The follow-
ing pump components that come in
contact with the blood have a smooth,
polished titanium surface: pump
rotor, stators, and pump chamber. The
pump’s inlet cannula, inlet elbow, and
outlet elbow have textured surfaces.
The HeartMate II’s patented ball-and-cup bearings are designed for long term relia-
bility and minimal blood damage. There are no valves in the HeartMate II.
The implanted pump lies parallel to the diaphragm in a sub-diaphragmatic posi-
tion. It may be implanted preperitoneally or intra-abdominally.
How the Pump Works
Blood flow through the HeartMate II LVAD follows the native cardiac cycle and will
vary during diastole and systole. Therefore, the HeartMate II LVAD is essentially
synchronized with the mechanical activity of the native heart and follows the Frank
CLINICAL OPERATION AND PATIENT MANAGEMENT
6
Figure 2
Implanted & worn components of the
HeartMate II LVAS
HeartMate II System
Controller
HeartMate II
LVAD
