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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
08:49
Use of Two Intracorporeal Ventricular Assist Devices As a Total Artificial Heart
Published on: May 11, 2018
Left ventricular assist device: a functional comparison with heart transplantation
R V Pruijsten1, N de Jonge, J H Kirkels
1Department of Cardiology, Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Summary
Ventricular assist devices significantly improve exercise capacity and haemodynamic recovery in heart failure patients, supporting their use as a long-term alternative to heart transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Heart Failure Management
Background:
- Increasing use of ventricular assist devices (VADs) for end-stage heart failure patients awaiting transplantation.
- VADs serve as a crucial bridge to heart transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if functional and hemodynamic recovery after VAD implantation is adequate for long-term use.
- To assess VADs as a potential long-term alternative to heart transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of peak VO2 (oxygen consumption) at three months post-VAD implantation versus three months post-heart transplantation.
- Analysis of hemodynamic recovery by measuring plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and creatinine levels before and after VAD implantation.
Main Results:
- Peak VO2 improved significantly after VAD implantation (52% of predicted) and further after heart transplantation (62% of predicted; p<0.001).
- Plasma BNP and creatinine levels decreased substantially post-VAD implantation, indicating ventricular unloading and hemodynamic recovery.
Conclusions:
- VAD implantation leads to sufficient functional and hemodynamic recovery.
- VADs are a viable alternative to heart transplantation for select heart failure patients.
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