ABIOMED BVS 5000: Experience and potential advantages

Background. The ABIOMED BVS 5000 is a two-chambered extracorporeal pulsatile assist device intended for temporary circulatory support. The Food and Drug Administration granted approval for the device for postcardiotomy patients in 1992. Methods. A worldwide registry is maintained with the BVS 5000. Currently 500 patients have been entered into the registry. The majority of patients were postcardiotomy (53%) and required biventricular assist devices (65%). Results. Postcardiotomy patients have had a 27% discharge rate compared with cardiomyopathy patients with a more than 40% discharge rate. Comparison at Baylor University Medical Center of the ABIOMED BVS 5000 with a nonpulsatile device demonstrated an improved wean rate (60% versus 47%, respectively) as well as discharge rate (27% versus 17%, respectively). Conclusions. A worldwide registry combined with the experience at Baylor University Medical Center demonstrates the capability of the BVS 5000 to support postcardiotomy patients. The device is safe, simple, and effective. In addition, the pulsatile nature of the circulatory support appears to offer advantages over other systems.