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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
[Surgical strategy for severe heart failure]
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
Insights
Heart transplantation is a key treatment for severe heart failure. Newer surgical options and mechanical assist devices offer alternatives for patients awaiting transplants, improving quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Mechanical Circulatory Support
Context:
- Severe congestive heart failure from dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy historically necessitated heart transplantation.
- Advancements include mitral valve repair and left ventricular reconstruction for stable patients.
- Mechanical assist devices are crucial for severe heart failure with cardiogenic shock or end-organ dysfunction.
Purpose:
- To review current treatment strategies for severe heart failure, including surgical repair, reconstruction, and mechanical assist devices.
- To discuss the role of left ventricular assist systems (LVAS) in managing end-stage heart failure.
- To highlight perioperative challenges and benefits of LVAS implantation.
Summary:
- Heart transplantation remains the definitive treatment for end-stage heart failure.
- Mitral valve repair and left ventricular reconstruction offer alternative surgical options for select patients.
- Left ventricular assist systems (LVAS) provide vital circulatory support, improving organ function and quality of life for transplant candidates.
Impact:
- Expanded treatment paradigms for severe heart failure beyond transplantation.
- Improved management of cardiogenic shock and end-organ dysfunction through mechanical support.
- Enhanced quality of life and bridging to transplantation for patients with advanced heart disease.
Abstract:
Heart transplantation had been an only effective treatment for severe congestive heart failure secondary to dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy. Recently, mitral valve repair and left ventricular reconstruction have been introduced to restore their own cardiac function. These operations can be one of treatment options for relatively stable congestive heart failure patients. For those with severer heart failure complicated with cardiogenic shock or end-organ dysfunction, use of mechanical assist device should be included in the treatment strategies. Perioperative problems of implantation of left ventricular assist device include right heart failure, multi-organ failure, infection and anti-coagulation. Implantable LVAS, which provides potent circulatory assist is useful to overcome organ dysfunction and render good QOL during long waiting period for heart transplantation.
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