Arrow CorAide left ventricular assist system: initial experience of the cardio-thoracic surgery center in Pavia.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to describe our preliminary experience with the Arrow CorAide left ventricular assist system (LVAS). DESCRIPTION: The Arrow CorAide LVAS is a small implantable, continuous flow centrifugal pump, with a fully suspended rotating assembly, intended as a bridge to transplant device, bridge to recovery, and for long-term use. EVALUATION: Since April 2005 we have implanted the CorAide LVAS in 2 male patients, with a patient follow-up of more than 6 months. Surgical procedures were uneventful, and both patients had an uneventful postoperative course, with fast weaning from mechanical ventilation and inotropic support. No thromboembolic events, infective complication, hemolysis, or mechanical failure occurred. To date, both patients are in New York Heart Association class I. CONCLUSIONS: In our initial experience the CorAide LVAS blood pump is nonthrombogenic, nonhemolytic, and easy to implant. Both patients have improved their functional status. Further follow-up is needed to assess long-term results.