Hemodynamic Evaluation of the Jarvik 2000 Heart During Heart Failure

In this study, an attempt was made to assess the level of hemodynamic support provided by the Jarvik 2000 in an animal model, with acute, severe heart failure. For this purpose, heart failure (HF) was induced in five calves by progressively ligating the LAD coronary artery. Once stable HF was established, the pump was turned on, and hemodynamic measurements were obtained at pump speed settings that ranged from 8,000 to 12,000 rpm. The Jarvik 2000 Heart provided a level of cardiac output support that normalizes the CI and LAP, while maintaining some arterial pressure pulsatility during HF. Systemic perfusion increased while the left heart is unloaded.