An ambulatory counterpulsation system-a potential option for extended mechanical support.

As the incidence of heart failure increases, an organ shortage for cardiac transplant worsens. There has been development of both short and long-term mechanical circulatory devices for this population, each with unique advantages and different adverse event profiles. The long-term devices provide excellent mechanical circulatory support but are associated with significant morbidity. The intravascular ventricular assist system (iVAS) is a minimally invasive, ambulatory, counterpulsation heart assist system developed to provide long-term support for patients with advanced heart failure while avoiding the surgical trauma of a left ventricular assist device and minimizing the risks of infection and hemocompatibility-related adverse events. Initial experience with the iVAS shows promising evidence for its use as a long-term mechanical circulatory support device. © Indian Association of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeons 2020.