A patient with advanced heart failure has become the first person in Europe to receive a BrioVAD left ventricular assist device at UMC Utrecht. The new system is being evaluated in a European clinical study and may offer advantages over existing assist devices. For UMC Utrecht, this implantation marks another milestone in its long history of innovation in mechanical circulatory support.
For people with advanced heart failure, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can make the difference between having little energy and being able to participate in daily life again. An LVAD supports circulation when medication or other treatments are no longer sufficient. The device pumps blood from the left ventricle to the aorta, taking over an important part of the heart’s workload.
Earlier this month, a multidisciplinary team at UMC Utrecht performed the first BrioVAD implantation in Europe. The procedure took place as part of the European BRIOLIFE study, which will involve ten European centers.
This is the first time we will be able to follow this new LVAD within a European research setting. It will provide valuable insights into both the performance of the system and patients’ experiences
Faiz Ramjankhan, cardiothoracic surgeon and principal investigator of the study at UMC Utrecht and
Mariusz Szymanski, cardiologist, who is responsible for patient selection within the study.
When I heard I was eligible for this device, it felt like the right choice almost immediately. Of course, it was somewhat daunting to be the first patient in Europe, but I received thorough information and had the opportunity to discuss it with many people. In the end, I knew this was the right decision. I am still at the beginning of my recovery, but I am incredibly happy that I decided to do this.”
Patient, participating in the study
The BrioVAD has been developed for patients with advanced left-sided heart failure. According to the researchers, the system differs from existing LVADs in several ways. The pump is smaller and lighter, which may make it suitable for a wider range of patients. The external components have also been redesigned to make the system easier to carry and use.
Another notable difference is the driveline: the cable that connects the pump inside the body to the controller and batteries outside the body. This cable is thinner and more flexible than those used in many existing systems. Researchers expect this to improve ease of use and potentially reduce the risk of infections.
The European BRIOLIFE study aims to provide more insight into the system’s performance and patients’ experiences over the longer term.
Szymanski explains that the BrioVAD is particularly interesting to study because of its compact design and flexible driveline. However, it is not yet clear how these features will affect patients and their quality of life in everyday life. This is one of the key reasons why the study is important. Ramjankhan adds that UMC Utrecht being the first centre in Europe to participate is a natural fit with the hospital’s many years of experience in ventricular assist device care and research.
