Promising results with a new textured surface intrathoracic variable volume device for LVAS.

The smooth surface cycled chambers, both Biomer and silicone rubber, developed thick tissue capsules and exhibited persistent acute tissue reaction at the interface. The silicone rubber noncycled chambers either developed no capsule or a very thin capsule without the acute inflammation observed with the cycled side. The dacron velour surface chambers, both the cycled and noncycled, developed a thin, stable capsule, with no acute inflammation. The cycled dacron velour surface chambers have achieved almost one year with acceptable performance and are continuing at this time. These results with the textured surface compliance chambers compare favorably with the smooth surface series. Although the number of studies as yet is limited, the performance of the textured series compliance chambers shows promise for the application of the compliance chamber for use with totally implantable blood pump systems.