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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
08:49
Use of Two Intracorporeal Ventricular Assist Devices As a Total Artificial Heart
Published on: May 11, 2018
Long-term mechanical support with the HeartMate II LVAS.
A Loforte1, A Montalto, F Ranocchi
1Department of Cardiac Surgery and Heart Transplantation, San Camillo Hospital, Rome, Italy. antonioloforte@yahoo.it
Transplantation Proceedings
|May 23, 2009
Summary
The HeartMate II left ventricular assist device (LVAD) successfully bridges patients with advanced heart failure to transplantation. This study shows promising results for the LVAD as a long-term solution for eligible candidates.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are crucial for managing refractory heart failure.
- The HeartMate II is an implantable axial-flow pump designed for long-term left ventricular support.
- This study evaluates the initial clinical experience with the HeartMate II as a bridge to heart transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and safety of the HeartMate II LVAD as a bridge to heart transplantation.
- To report on the initial single-center clinical outcomes of patients receiving the HeartMate II device.
- To explore the potential of the HeartMate II as a permanent solution for non-transplantable patients.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen adult patients with end-stage heart failure received the HeartMate II LVAD between March 2002 and December 2008.
- Patients were primarily diagnosed with ischemic or idiopathic cardiomyopathy and were NYHA functional class IV.
- Implantation involved elective cannulation of the left ventricular apex and ascending aorta.
Main Results:
- Mean support duration was 217 days, with 30-day mortality at 27.7% primarily due to multiple organ failure and sepsis.
- Complications included bleeding requiring reoperation (33.3%) and one case of cerebral hemorrhage; no device failures occurred.
- Sixty-six percent of patients were discharged home, 50% underwent successful transplantation, and the post-transplant survival rate was 66.6%.
Conclusions:
- The HeartMate II LVAD effectively serves as a bridge to heart transplantation for patients with advanced heart failure.
- Positive mid- and long-term outcomes suggest the HeartMate II may be a viable permanent option for individuals ineligible for transplantation.
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