Successful Application of MoyoAssist® in Bridging to Long-Term LVAD

On March 3, 2025, the multidisciplinary team at Xinjiang People's Hospital successfully performed a bridge procedure with MoyoAssist® (an extracorporeal ventricular assist device) to support a patient awaiting a HeartCon LVAD. 

Heart failure is the final stage of many heart diseases, with poor natural prognosis and limited traditional treatment options. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are an established mechanical circulatory support system that serves as a bridge to heart transplantation or as a long-term therapeutic option for certain patients.

Patient Profile

Age: 51

Gender: Male

Medical History:

• Two years ago, treated for acute myocardial infarction (MI) with coronary artery stenting.

• Post-surgery, stopped taking antiplatelet and lipid-lowering medications.

• One week prior to admission, experienced severe chest pain and was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction.

• Underwent emergency stent re-implantation, but developed severe heart failure symptoms post-surgery.

Preoperative chest X-ray

Key Findings upon Admission

Admission Date: January 20, 2025

Key Findings:

• Low blood pressure (mean arterial pressure ≤ 55 mmHg)

• Increased B-type natriuretic peptide levels

• Echocardiography showed severe left ventricular dysfunction (EF: 35%)

• Acute anterior wall ST-elevation MI with post-stenting complications

• Severe hypoxia and respiratory failure requiring continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPAP)

Procedure Strategy

Stage 1: Initial Management

Diagnosis: Acute heart failure, NYHA Class IV, post-MI, severe left ventricular dysfunction, and critical respiratory failure.

Immediate Actions:

• Antibacterial and antiplatelet therapy

• Blood purification to reduce cardiac load

• High-dose inotropic and vasopressor support to maintain blood pressure

• Continued respiratory support with CPAP, blood oxygen saturation < 90%

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Assessment:

• IABP and ECMO were considered but deemed insufficient due to the patient's condition.

• Decision was made to use Extracorporeal Left Ventricular Assist Device (MoyoAssist®) to support heart function.

Stage 2: MoyoAssist® Implementation

Date: January 26, 2025

Procedure:

• Successful MoyoAssist® implantation via femoral artery and vein, connecting to the extracorporeal system to provide ventricular support.

• Pump speed set at RPM 3500, flow rate at 3.3 L/min.

Post-Operative Progress:

• Significant reduction in vasopressor requirements within 24 hours.

• Hemodynamics stabilized, oxygenation improved, no complications such as thrombosis or bleeding.

• Continued respiratory support needed due to pre-existing lung issues.

Stage 3: Transition to HeartCon LVAD

Date: February 13, 2025

Procedure: After multiple failed attempts to wean off the MoyoAssist®, the MDT decided on permanent LVAD implantation with the HeartCon system.

Post-Operative Recovery:

• Patient able to sit up on day 2, stand on day 5, and walk by day 10.

• Full recovery and discharge on March 3, 2025.

  
  

Post-Discharge Follow-up and Management

Patient Discharge: March 3, 2025

Follow-up Strategy:

• One-on-one follow-up strategy with the cardiac intensive care team.

• Ongoing training for the patient and family on device use, post-surgery care, and lifestyle adjustments.

Clinical Insights

The team at Xinjiang People's Hospital emphasized the importance of precise decision-making in the treatment of complex heart failure cases. The approach of bridging through MoyoAssist® and transitioning to a permanent LVAD was a key factor in the patient's successful recovery.

For more information about MoyoAssist®, please vistit https://en.magassist.tech/MoyoAssist-Extra-VAD/