SynCardia 70cc TAH-t for Destination Therapy (DT)

The SynCardia 70cc temporary Total Artificial Heart (TAH-t) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a bridge to transplant for patients at risk of imminent (about to happen) death from irreversible biventricular heart failure. The purpose of this research study is to evaluate whether the TAH-t can support patients with life-threatening irreversible biventricular heart failure who are not eligible for transplantation. The TAH-t, when used for patients who are not eligible for transplant, is considered to be an investigational (not approved by FDA) use. This use is called destination therapy (DT). Nineteen (19) patients with life-threatening, biventricular failure who are not eligible for cardiac transplant will be enrolled in the Primary Arm of the study and followed for up to six months post-TAH-t implant. Safety will be evaluated by reviewing the adverse events that are experienced by the enrolled subjects and comparing them to previous experience of TAH-t patients who were waiting for a heart transplant. Since approximately 74% of patients with this condition would not be expected to live beyond six months, the benefit of the TAH-t for DT will be confirmed based on survival to six months without experiencing permanent disabling stroke-related deficits. After the six month follow-up visit, patients will continue to be followed under the study for up to five (5) years postTAH-t implant \[every six months for up to two years while supported with the TAH-t implant and then annually for another three years\]. Up to an additional 19 patients may be enrolled in the Secondary Arm of the study to further characterize the use of the TAH-t for DT in a broader patient population. Follow-up would be the same for patients enrolled in both arms of the study.