Association of device surface and biomaterials with immunologic sensitization after mechanical support

Isaac George, Patrick Colley, Mark J. Russo, Timothy P. Martens, Elizabeth Burke, Mehmet C. Oz, Mario C. Deng, Donna M. Mancini, Yoshifumi Naka

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Biomaterials and textured surfaces in early pulsatile left ventricular assist devices (HeartMate I; Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, Calif) may increase immunologic risk through allosensitization. We hypothesized that axial-flow devices without biologic membranes or textured surfaces (HeartMate II; Thoratec; and DeBakey; MicroMed Cardiovascular, Inc, Houston, Tex) would cause less allosensitization than devices with such membranes and surfaces. Methods: HeartMate II and DeBakey (n = 24) and HeartMate I (n = 36) devices were implanted from 1999 to 2006 in patients with severe heart failure cohort-matched for age, etiology, and support duration. Serum samples reacting with more than 10% of the HLA reference panel were considered positive for anti-HLA antibodies. Endomyocardial biopsy samples were collected after transplant. Results: There were no significant cohort differences in age, etiology, sex, blood transfusion, or support duration. Anti-HLA antibodies were not detected at implantation of either HeartMate II and DeBakey or HeartMate I devices; however, significant increases in anti-HLA antibodies were present within 1 and 3 months of support with HeartMate I but not HeartMate II and DeBakey devices. Overall, fewer patients with HeartMate II and DeBakey devices demonstrated positive anti-HLA antibodies during support (8% vs 28%, P = .02), and fewer episodes of acute rejection per patient were seen within the first 9 posttransplant months(0.31 vs 0.69, P = .052). Long-term posttransplant survival was not different between groups. Conclusion: Hemodynamic support with HeartMate II and DeBakey devices produced less allosensitization than did HeartMate I devices. Device selection may improve clinical outcomes for high-risk patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1372-1379.e1
JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Volume135
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2008
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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