The MiTiHeart® Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) uses a uniquely designed magnetic levitation system to eliminate the need for any mechanical contact bearings or contamination from lubricants. Since 1995, Mohawk Innovative Technology, Inc. (MiTi) has been developing this unique blood pump with funding from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for bridge-to-transplant and destination therapy (or long-term implant) for patients suffering from end-stage congestive heart failure.
Principle Features and Benefits
The MiTiHeart® LVAD comprises a fully implantable pump paired with inflow and outflow cannulae developed at Penn State. The pump provides for extremely low hemolysis and power consumption attributed to its hybrid passive/active magnetic bearing system (which features single axis control). The pump’s efficiency also translates to a minimal temperature rise (less than 0.2 degrees Celsius) that helps reduce the risk of blood damage.