Novel percutaneous dual-lumen cannula-based right ventricular assist device provides effective support for refractory right ventricular failure after left ventricular assist device implantation

OBJECTIVES Right heart failure after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A new generation of percutaneous right ventricular assist devices (RVADs) may mitigate the need for invasive surgical RVAD implantation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Protek Duo (TandemLife, Pittsburgh, PA, USA) RVAD in patients who developed severe acute right heart failure in the intensive care unit after LVAD implantation. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of 27 patients who received a Protek Duo after LVAD implantation from January 2016 to March 2019 at our centre. The primary outcome of interest was survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes included procedural success, device-related complications and conversion to a surgical RVAD. RESULTS The median age of patients was 63 years (interquartile range 58–71), 78% were men and 78% were Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profile 1 or 2. Patients were on a median of 2 inotropes and 2 pressors prior to Protek Duo insertion. The device successfully implanted on the first attempt in all patients a median of 1 day (interquartile range 1–2) after LVAD implantation and the median duration of support was 11 days (interquartile range 7–16). Device weaning occurred in 86% of patients, with 15% in-hospital mortality. Major complications related to the device included new moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation (36%), haemolysis (14%) and cannula migration (7%). Three patients (11%) required conversion to surgical RVAD. Overall survival to 1 year was 81%. CONCLUSIONS The use of the Protek Duo as a percutaneous RVAD is a safe and feasible treatment for patients who develop acute right heart failure after LVAD implantation.