Improved regional myocardial blood flow, left ventricular unloading, and infarct salvage using an axial-flow, transvalvular left ventricular assist device. A comparison with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation and reperfusion alone in a canine infarction model.

Mechanical unloading of the ventricle during ischemia and reperfusion appears to result in significant infarct salvage compared with reperfusion alone. The Hemopump appears to provide superior left ventricular systolic and diastolic unloading compared with intra-aortic counterpulsation in a canine model.