Evolving short-term and long-term mechanical assist for cardiac-failure -- a decade of experience in Münster

Technological advances and growing expertise has lead to referral of much sicker patients with a greater incidence of heart failure prior to and after cardiac surgical procedures. The diversity of the heart failure patient cohort mandates a differentiated protocol for mechanical support adapted to the clinical requirements. It is desirable to have appropriate mechanical support available for different circumstances of heart failure. In this paper, we review the first decade of the Muenster University Hospital experience with the use of intra-aortic ballon pump, extracorporal membrane oxygenators, short term uni- and biventricular assist systems such as Thoratec and Medos devices, as well as long term left ventricular assist systems such as the TCI Heartmate and the Novacor system. The patient profiles, indications, contraindications, and future trends are reviewed within the framework of a contemporary university hospital Servive.