DESCRIPTION

The ABIOMED BVS 5000™ is used worldwide for temporary left, right, or biventricular (both ventricles) support in patients with potentially reversible heart failure. The BVS 5000 underwent preclinical studies at the Texas Heart Institute (THI) from 1986 to 1988 and was introduced for use in patients at THI in 1988. It was the first heart assist device approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the support of post-cardiotomy patients (those who have developed heart failure as a result of heart surgery). Since that time, hundreds of patients have been sustained by the BVS 5000.        [b]The Pump[/b]        The pump houses two polyurethane chambers: an atrial chamber that fills with blood through gravitational force and a ventricular chamber that pumps blood by air-driven power. The atrial chamber is vented outside the patient. The ventricular chamber is connected to the power console by a 0.25-inch pneumatic (air) line. Two trileaflet valves separate the atrial and ventricular chambers. The pump can produce blood flow of up to 5 liters per minute. Cannulas of various designs (for blood drainage and return) are available to accommodate individual patient anatomy.        [b]The Console[/b]        ABIOMED BVS 5000 ConsoleThe BVS 5000 console can support one or two blood pumps. It is fully automatic and compensates for changes both in preload and afterload. The left and right sides are triggered independently of each other. A backup battery provides 1 hour of support, and an alarm will sound when only 10 minutes of power remain. A foot pump can also serve as a backup power source. By using the console to limit blood flow, patients can be slowly weaned from support.