The effect of intermittent low speed mode upon aortic valve opening in calves supported with a Jarvik 2000 axial flow device.

We assessed the effects of an axial flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) upon aortic valve opening, pump outflow, and biologic and hematologic parameters when operated in intermittent low speed (ILS) mode. An ILS controller equipped Jarvik 2000 LVAD was implanted in six calves. Pump speed was maintained at 10,000 rpm, and pump outflow was measured throughout the study period (71 +/- 6 days [mean +/- SD]). Hematologic and biochemical parameters were analyzed daily for the first 10 days, weekly for the first month, and biweekly thereafter to monitor for kidney or liver dysfunction, hemolysis, bleeding, or infection. Before study termination, esmolol hydrochloride was infused to induce low cardiac output and totally impair aortic valve opening. Radiopaque cineaortography was performed over 30 second intervals (10 seconds before, 10 seconds during, and 10 seconds immediately after ILS controller activation) to assess the effect of ILS mode upon aortic valve opening. After study termination, major end organs and the major vascular tree were removed and examined macroscopically and histologically for thrombus formation and infarction; the aortic valve was examined for thickening and fusion. All pumps were explanted and examined for thrombus formation. All six calves recovered without surgical or mechanical complications. Hematologic and biochemical parameters did not change significantly between baseline and study termination. The aortic valve successfully opened when ILS mode was activated, even under low cardiac output conditions. No thrombus was detected in the major end organs and vascular tree, except for some small renal infarcts in three calves that did not affect renal function. These results indicate that operating an axial flow LVAD in ILS mode allows aortic valve opening and aortic root washout.