What is the TandemHeart System?

The TandemHeart System is a short-term extracorporeal support device that does some of the blood pumping job of the heart.

Why does the patient need the TandemHeart System?

The capacity of the heart to pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body can be severely reduced as a result of a heart attack or other cardiac event.  Other therapies, like medications or the use of a device called an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) may be insufficient to help the patient overcome this situation.

How does the TandemHeart System help?

The TandemHeart System is designed to take over a large portion of the pumping work normally done by the heart.  The device may help stabilize the patient so their physician can device on and initiate necessary additional courses of treatment.

How does the TandemHeart System work?

The two main components of the TandemHeart System are the blood pump and pump controller.  The pump propels the blood in a steady stream through the body. The controller regulates the pump speed and flow rate.

How is the TandemHeart System connected to the patient?

A set of small plastic tubes, called cannulae, are inserted into the groin of the patient to connect the pump with the patient's circulatory system.  The pump itself remains outside the body.  The procedure does not require surgery.

Where is the patient treated while on the TandemHeart System?

Support can be instituted in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory or in the Operating Room.  After the insertion, the patient may be transferred to the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) or the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU) of the hospital.  During support, the patient must remain immobilized.