Outcomes after implantation of partial-support left ventricular assist devices in inotropic-dependent patients: Do we still need full-support assist devices?

Outcomes after implantation of 139 full-support continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices as a bridge to transplantation.

OBJECTIVES Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are a routine treatment for patients with advanced heart failure as a bridge to transplantation. The aim of this study was to present our institutional experience and mid-term outcomes after implantation of 139 continuous-flow (cf) LVADs as a bridge to transplantation. METHODS One hundred and thirty-nine consecutive LVAD implantations were pe...

Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

Ventricular assist devices for durable support.

Clinical Challenge What can we offer a 70-year-old retired schoolteacher hospitalized with congestion for the third time in 6 months? The LVEF is 21%. Shortness of breath interrupts sleeping and dressing, and peak oxygen consumption of 9 mL/kg per minute confirms NYHA Class IV status. He has noninsulindependent diabetes and chronic coronary artery disease, with patent grafts to thin-caliber ves...

Cerebrovascular complications of left ventricular assist devices.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly being used as a bridge to heart transplantation or destination therapy. It is unclear which antithrombotic regimen should be used to reduce the risk of stroke. We systematically reviewed the literature on all types of antithrombotic regimens and stroke in patients with any type of LVADs. Our primary outcome measure was the mean incidence ...

Left ventricular assist devices as destination therapy.

Although an estimated 16,500 Americans annually could benefit from a heart transplant, in 1999 only 2184 heart transplants were performed in the United States. These statistics emphasize the severity of the shortage of available hearts for transplantation. Circulatory support provided by an implantable Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) that meets Food and Drug Administration approval as des...