Abstract
Interactions between the life-sustaining ventricular assist devices (VAD) and diagnostic therapies must be carefully considered to decrease the risk of inaccurate diagnostic imaging or pump failure. The HeartWare MVAD pump, currently under investigational use, was tested for interaction with radioactive tracers in an in-vitro loop study. Contrast radiotracers 18F-sodium fluoride and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose were injected into a closed loop to determine feasibility of direct imaging of the MVAD pump in a PET scanner. No real-time changes were observed in pump operation with no statistical difference of pump parameters (power consumption, speed, estimated flow) between baseline and treatment conditions. In addition, no effect on external components including the PAL controller and batteries powering the device was observed. Imaging of the internal pump components was possible with obstruction only observed in the portion of the pump where the rotating impeller is located. Minimal retention of radiotracer in the pump components following circulation was measured (<1%). PET imaging is an attractive diagnostic tool for VAD patients and may have additional utility outside of current use in detection of infection.
