9 Promising Cardio Technologies: Wireless LVADs

Wireless LVADs

ReliantHeart is developing a fully implantable version of its HeartAssist5 LVAD. 

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been one of the biggest advancements in heart failure to be commercialized in the last decade, but the therapy is still limited by the need for a power driveline. The site where this driveline exits the patient's body is a common place for infections. Major LVAD companies, including Thoratec, HeartWare, and ReliantHeart have been working toward a wirelessly powered LVAD, which would be fully implanted within the body.

Wireless LVADs would likely be powered by transcutaneous energy transfer, which involves "charging" the device through the skin. Thoratec started collaborating with WiTricity Corp. in 2010, while HeartWare, which had previously worked with Dualis MedTech GmbH, is now working to develop such a device internally. ReliantHeart, which is now working with Dualis MedTech, expects to unveil a wireless LVAD in 2016 that would be powered by magnetic coils inside and outside the body.  

Continue on to "9 Devices that Show the Promise of POC Diagnostics"

[Image courtesy of RELIANTHEART]

Learn how to design innovative structural heart therapies at the MD&M Minneapolis conference on September 21, 2016.