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08:49

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Published on: May 11, 2018

Left ventricular assist device: can Canada afford this?

M Carrier1

  • 1Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada. michel.carrier@icm-mhi.org

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|November 26, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Heart transplantation is limited by donor shortages. Newer ventricular assist devices offer potential chronic treatment for severe heart failure, moving beyond temporary support.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Transplantation Medicine

Background:

  • Heart transplantation is a limited treatment for end-stage heart failure due to donor scarcity and high disease incidence.
  • Mechanical circulatory support systems are primarily used for patients at imminent risk of death, bridging them to transplantation.
  • Congestive heart failure affects a significant portion of the Canadian population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the evolving role of mechanical circulatory support systems in managing end-stage heart failure.
  • To evaluate newer left ventricular assist devices as potential chronic treatment options.
  • To address the limitations of donor availability for heart transplantation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current mechanical circulatory support systems, focusing on axial and centrifugal flow pumps.
  • Analysis of the transition of these devices from bridge-to-transplantation to potential long-term therapy.
  • Consideration of device advancements in compactness and intelligence.

Main Results:

  • Newer left ventricular assist devices (axial and centrifugal flow pumps) are more advanced and compact.
  • These devices are increasingly considered for chronic treatment of severe congestive heart failure.
  • The limitations of heart transplantation are driving the exploration of alternative long-term solutions.

Conclusions:

  • Advancements in left ventricular assist devices present a promising alternative for chronic heart failure management.
  • Mechanical circulatory support is evolving beyond temporary use to become a viable long-term therapeutic option.
  • Addressing donor shortages necessitates the development and adoption of innovative heart failure treatments.

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