Devices, Research & Publications

The Utah Artificial Heart Program has considerable experience in artificial heart technology and devices. In order to improve the quality of care for patients with this technology, the UAHP has dedicated engineering and research staff, who study the medical care and outcomes of each patient. Results from this research have been instrumental in influencing the medical practice for patient care and improving artificial heart technology. In this section, you will find information concerning the various assist devices and cutting-edge research.

Devices

The Utah Artificial Heart Program at Intermountain Medical Center has the capability to implant devices for temporary support and long-term support to meet the needs of patients experiencing acute cardiogenic shock or end-stage/advanced heart failure. The following section describes the different devices implanted at Intermountain Medical Center.

• UAHP Mechanical Support Devices

Research

The Utah Artificial Heart Program at Intermountain Medical Center remains a forerunner in research. As the number one enrolling center for the REMATCH (Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance for the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure) Trial, the UAHP helped prove that mechanical assistance is superior to optimal medical therapy for treating end-stage/advanced heart failure patients. This landmark trial has led to the UAHP becoming involved in the following research developments:

• RELIANT (Randomized Evaluation of the Novacor® LVAS In A Non-Transplant Population)
• HeartMate II Trials (Bridge-to-Transplant and Destination Therapy)
• TandemHeart Percutaneous VAD
• The MOMENTUM Clinical Trial (Multicenter Trial of the ORQIS Medical CRS for the ENhanced Treatment of CHF Unresponsive to Medical Therapy)
• Levitronix Centrimag Blood Pumping System

These research trials show promise to improve patient outcomes and impact the field of artificial heart technologies. To learn more about these trials, please refer to the Additional Information section to log onto the websites of the various device companies.

• UAHP Clinical Research

Publications

As part of our pioneering efforts to expand this challenging field, the Utah Artificial Heart Program has had the privilege of collaborating with other implanting LVAD centers, gathering important data, and sharing research findings, which have been published in various journals. The list below provides information about our publications from 2001 to the present.

If you would like additional information about older publications or have general questions, please contact the Utah Artificial Heart Program at 801-507-4784.

• UAHP Research Publications

Additional Resouces

These websites offer additional information regarding the research and trials the UAHP is involved in.

• Cardiac Assist - TandemHeart PVAD Trial
• Levitronix - Levitronix Trial
• Orqis - Momentum Trial
• Thoratec - REMATCH and HeartMate II Trials
• WorldHeart - REliANT Trial