Implantable Continuous-Flow Right Ventricular Assist Device: Lessons Learned in the Development of a Cleveland Clinic Device

Although the need for right ventricular assist device (RVAD) support for right ventricular failure after the implantation of a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device has decreased, right ventricular failure still occurs in as many as 44% of patients after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device insertion. Cleveland Clinic's DexAide continuous-flow RVAD was implanted in 34 calves during the course of its development. This review discusses lessons learned in the design and development of an implantable continuous-flow RVAD that are drawn from the results of these in vivo studies, our clinical experience with RVAD support, and a review of previously published reports on clinical RVAD use.