Abstract
Acute mechanical circulatory support in the form of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation and temporary external ventricular assist device support have proven beneficial in the stabilization of patients with acute cardiogenic shock. With recent developments in implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), medium-term outpatient support as a bridge to transplantation is now possible with a survival of 75% to 80%. The evolution of society's acceptance of chronic LVAD support as well as the institution of insurance reimbursement has allowed such treatment to emerge as the state of the art for patients with end-stage heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation. The success of outpatient LVAD support has led to trials evaluating such mechanical assistance as a destination therapy for those patients who are not candidates for transplantation. Recent developments in device designs promise to create totally implantable systems that might serve as alternative permanent treatment options for patients with end-stage heart disease.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 379-385 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Current Opinion in Critical Care |
| Volume | 3 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| State | Published - 1997 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine