Thread by @dr_benoy_n_shah

#EACTS2021

Great first day. My favourite presentation was on the Carmat Total Artificial Heart (C TAH), presented by Professor @netuka_ivan

@rafasadaba

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The C TAH is probably the world's most advanced total artificial heart & is designed for patients with severe biventricular failure (i.e. for whom an LVAD would be insufficient).

It gained a CE mark last year and has an FDA approval for early feasibility studies

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The device has an implantable prosthesis and an external power supply to which it is constantly connected

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C TAH has 2 chambers, separated by a membrane into blood & fluid compartments. Electro-hydraulic pumps help produce pulsatile flow. Pressure sensors & electronics are embedded in the prosthesis. Biological valves are placed at the inlets and outlets of the ventricles

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Prof Netuka shared an example of a 61yr old patient with severe BiV failure and fixed pulm HTN that could not be weaned from IABP and inotropic support

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Pre-operative cross sectional imaging required to ensure adequate dimensions for the prosthesis, which currently only comes in one size

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We were then introduced to Prof Netuka's team and then had a video explaining the steps of the operation

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Transect the aorta and pulmonary arteries!

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As a cardiologist rather than a surgeon I can't really walk you through this, other than to say it was fascinating to me!

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Getting the AV junctions ready

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And now the 'heart'!

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A Cardiomems device is placed as well to assist monitoring of pulmonary pressures

Well deserved round of applause at the end!

Eager to see where this technology goes. It's not new. I think Carmat started work on this in the early 1990s, initially a collaboration between Alain Carpentier & engineers from a subsidiary of Airbus. More tomorrow!

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Any experience with this in 🇬🇧 transplant centres?

@drstephenpettit
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