Parachute device

A parachute device or ventricular partitioning device is a percutaneously inserted cardiac device aimed at improving cardiac output and reducing cardiac remodeling in patients following myocardial infarction.

Principle

The device consists of an umbrella shaped frame with a overlying membrane, the umbrella frame tapers to a "foot" which is supposed to lie in the apex of the left ventricle. Insertion is accomplished by advancing a catheter with the device through the femoral artery. Cardiac CT and echocardiography are typically performed pre-procedurally to aid insertion .

When expanded the device functions to partition the damaged heart muscle in the apical region from normal muscle, reducing the end-diastolic volume and allowing improvement of cardiac output, left ventricular function and reducing cardiac remodeling .

Radiographic features

The "foot" of the device should lie in the apex of the left ventricle on chest radiograph. Any variation in this positioning could represent improper placement or migration of the device .

Complications

• device migration
• membrane perforation and frame fracture (potential complications, although no reports currently exist)

See also

• medical devices in the thorax

Siehe auch:

• Myokardinfarkt