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K Dasse

Publications and source records attributed to K Dasse.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

The lining of textured surfaces in implantable left ventricular assist devices. An immunocytochemical and electronmicroscopic study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to examine and identify some components of biological linings developed upon the textured surfaces of a circulatory assist device. The development of biological linings upon a textured surface circulatory assist device was evaluated in patients implanted for periods ranging from 84 to 132 days. METHODS: Explanted devices were examined macroscopically. Light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry techniques were employed to evaluate the histogenesis of the tissue deposits upon the device surfaces. Visible material was essentially limited to focal areas upon the static housing and the periphery of the pusher-plate diaphragm (Biomer). RESULTS: Microscopy of the linings showed fibrin-rich areas with platelets, monocytes and few spindle-shaped surface cells. Central areas were composed of multiple layers of spindle-shaped cells separated, mainly, by collagen. Giant-cell foreign-body reaction to Biomer fibrils was seen. CONCLUSION: Transmission electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry indicated the presence of at least two cell populations: fibroblasts and smooth muscle-like cells, or 'myofibroblasts'. There was no evidence of endothelial cell presence.

Adult↗

Neo-intimal development on textured biomaterial surfaces during clinical use of an implantable left ventricular assist device.

Implantable left ventricular assist systems are being developed for long term clinical use. Prototype devices are currently used as extended mechanical bridges to cardiac transplantation. The Thermo Cardiosystems Inc. (TCI) pneumatic pusher plate left ventricular assist device (LVAD) features textured blood contacting surfaces to encourage the formation of an adherent fibrin-cellular coagulum. This serves as the foundation for the development of a neo-intimal lining. The TCI LVAD was implanted in 6 male patients (age range 22-53 years) between 1986 and 1988. The duration of implantation ranged from 1-41 days. No clinical thromboembolic events or pump-related thromboembolism occurred and none was evident at necropsy. The six device linings have been fully evaluated. Explanted devices were free of thrombus and calcification. Lining samples for light and electron microscopy were collected from areas of the diaphragm identical for flex and blood shear conditions and from high and low shear areas on the static housing. Islands of collagenous tissue were deposited on the static housing amongst compact fibrin. By day 13, cells populated the surface of the developing neo-intima overlying the diaphragm. By 41 days, the surface cell density increased and the cells became spindle shaped and relatively orientated in the high shear/flex area. Immunohistochemical techniques suggest that these cells are of mesenchymal origin. Textured blood contacting surfaces appear satisfactory in the preliminary clinical use of this device.

Adult↗

Energy transmission across intact skin for powering artificial internal organs.

The prototype for a transcutaneous energy transmission system (TETS) meets the engineering goals of high efficiency, limited heating of surrounding tissues due to losses in implanted components, and excellent resistance to misalignment and uncoupling of the coils. Higher efficiencies, reduced thermal generation, and lighter implanted components are the goals of future designs. Improvements will be made based on the findings of a complete in vitro electrical characterization of the present system, varying operating frequency, the number of turns in the 2 coils, and the voltages and currents in the 2 coils. The results of short-term in vivo studies indicate that the temperature rise in tissues surrounding the implanted components is not excessive, that the layer of cutaneous tissue covering the secondary coil is viable and that the thickness of the tissue separating the 2 coils stabilizes after about 2 wks. Definitive statements await the results of in vivo studies lasting longer than 6 mos. Similarly, an evaluation of the effectiveness of butyl as a moisture barrier awaits the results of long-term in vivo, and in vitro immersion test.

Animals↗

Extended clinical support with an implantable left ventricular assist device.

Clinical evaluations are under way of an intracorporeal (abdominally positioned) pulsatile left ventricular assist device (LVAD) that is capable of providing support for extended periods (greater than 30 days) in patients awaiting heart transplantation. The LVAD, developed by Thermo Cardiosystems Inc. (Woburn, MA), has uniquely textured blood contacting surfaces and requires only minimal antithrombotic therapy. It has been used at the Texas Heart Institute as a bridge to transplantation in 11 patients, including 2 who are currently receiving support. Four patients required extended LVAD support (35-132 days); of those, three are doing well at 1.5, 8.5, and 13 months, respectively, after transplantation, and one died of liver failure 49 days after transplantation. The LVAD was operated in a fixed-rate mode to maintain pump flows at 4-8 L/min, resulting in stabilization of hemodynamic and secondary organ function in all patients. Blood chemistry and hematologic values returned to normal during LVAD support in three of four patients. Postoperative anticoagulation was gradually reduced over the course of the trials. The two most recent patients (35 and 132 days) received only oral dipyridamole (75 mg X 3/day) and aspirin (80 mg/day) after the early recovery period (four-six days), resulting in normal prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times. Plasma hemoglobin levels remained within acceptable limits, and there was no evidence of thromboembolism. Blood contacting surfaces were coated with a thin, adherent, biologically derived lining. The initial results indicate that the intracorporeal LVAD, with textured blood contacting surfaces, can effectively support the failing heart for extended periods (greater than 30 days) with minimal antithrombotic therapy.

Adult↗

Anatomic considerations for abdominally placed permanent left ventricular assist devices.

To determine anatomic parameters for a permanent, electrically actuated left ventricular assist device (LVAD), the effects of abdominal placement of pneumatic LVADs used as temporary support for patients awaiting heart transplantation was studied. Understanding the anatomic constraints imposed by the abdominal viscera in LVAD placement is crucial, because improper placement can result in compression or obstruction of adjacent structures. Anatomic compatibility was assessed in four men (age 22-48 years) who were supported by the LVAD for over 1 month (range 35-132 days). The pump was intraperitoneally placed in the left upper quadrant. Radiographic techniques were employed, including CT scanning (with patients supine) and contrast imaging (patients in anatomical position), and the pump and conduits appeared to be properly positioned, with minimal compression of the body of the stomach, and no obstruction of adjacent organs. Three patients returned to a solid food diet and exercised daily by stationary cycling and walking. No signs of migration or erosion of the pump were present at the time of LVAD removal and cardiac transplantation. Successful clinical experience with short-term use of the LVAD suggests that the electrically actuated device can be well tolerated in patients requiring permanent left ventricular assistance.

Abdomen↗