Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
Bridge to heart transplantation with the HeartMate device in Gothenburg, Sweden
H Liden1, P Wierup, M Westerberg
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.
Insights
The HeartMate left ventricular assist device (LVAD) offers a valuable option for patients with end-stage heart failure awaiting transplantation. Initial experience shows promising outcomes, with many patients discharged and transplanted successfully.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Transplantation
Background:
- End-stage heart failure poses a significant challenge for patients awaiting transplantation.
- The HeartMate left ventricular assist device (LVAD) VELVAS is an implantable, electrically driven mechanical circulatory support system.
- This study reports the initial clinical experience with the HeartMate LVAS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the initial outcomes of patients receiving the HeartMate LVAS.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of the HeartMate LVAS in a deteriorating patient population.
- To compare institutional results with those from larger centers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for patients who received the HeartMate LVAS.
- Data collection included patient demographics, diagnoses, time on LVAD, and adverse events.
- Analysis focused on survival, transplant rates, and complications.
Main Results:
- Nineteen patients received the HeartMate LVAS between January 1997 and May 2004.
- The mean age was 39 years, with 84% males; common diagnoses included dilated and ischemic cardiomyopathy.
- Thirteen patients underwent heart transplantation, with 9 surviving; 3 patients recovered and were weaned off support; 3 patients died on LVAD support.
Conclusions:
- The HeartMate LVAS is a viable option for critically ill patients awaiting heart transplantation.
- Outcomes achieved are comparable to those reported by larger institutions.
- The device demonstrates potential for improving survival and facilitating transplantation in this high-risk group.
Background:
Patients rapidly deteriorating while waiting for heart transplantation present a major problem. Our strategy for this entity is the HeartMate left ventricular assist device (LVAD) VELVAS, an electrically driven implantable LVAD. Herein we report our initial experience.
Methods:
The medical records of all the patients who received HeartMate LVAS at our institution were reviewed.
Results:
From January 1997 through May 2004, 19 patients received a HeartMate. The mean age was 39 (15 to 61) years and 84% were men. The diagnoses were: dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 8), ischemic heart disease (n = 6), myocarditis (n = 3), congenital heart disease (n = 1), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n = 1). Mean time on LVAD was 113 (10 to 353) days. Ten patients were discharged from the hospital to their homes awaiting transplant or recovery. Three patients showed recovery of heart function and were subsequently weaned from mechanical support. Thirteen patients underwent heart transplantation. Three patients died during LVAD treatment. Major adverse events occurred in nine patients, including severe right heart failure (n = 3), severe bleeding (n = 3), stroke (n = 1), hepatic failure (n = 1), and septicemia (n = 2). Nine of the 13 transplanted patients are alive and well today.
Conclusion:
HeartMate LVAS is a valuable option for patients rapidly deteriorating while awaiting a heart transplant. Our results are comparable with those reported from larger centers.
