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Mechanical cardiac assistance: historical perspectives.
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgical Research at the Texas Heart Institute, Houston 77225-0345, USA.
Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|October 29, 2000
Summary
Mechanical circulatory support systems, like left ventricular assist devices, help patients with end-stage heart failure survive while awaiting heart transplantation. Advances allow home use and potential for permanent support or device removal if heart function improves.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Heart transplantation is the primary treatment for end-stage heart failure.
- Mechanical circulatory support systems have evolved over 40 years to aid patients with severe circulatory compromise.
Observation:
- Long-term mechanical support systems serve as reliable bridges to heart transplantation, keeping patients alive.
- Modern portable systems allow patients to return home and resume activities while awaiting transplants.
Findings:
- The demand for donor hearts consistently exceeds supply, highlighting the need for long-term mechanical circulatory support.
- Clinical trials are evaluating left ventricular assist devices for long-term support.
- Smaller, more effective devices are emerging, expanding options for permanent circulatory support.
Implications:
- Mechanical circulatory support is crucial due to the donor heart shortage.
- Potential for myocardial function improvement with ventricular unloading may allow device removal.
- Advancements in cardiac assist devices will benefit more patients needing permanent circulatory support.