How New Support Devices Change Critical Care Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Mechanical support devices have evolved significantly since the development of cardiopulmonary bypass in 1953.
• Collaborative efforts have advanced devices for cardiac, respiratory, or combined system support.
• These devices address acute circulatory and respiratory failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development and application of mechanical support devices for failing cardiac and respiratory systems.
• To highlight the role of these devices in patient management strategies.
• To emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary team in patient care.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical development of mechanical circulatory and respiratory support.
• Analysis of device application as bridge to recovery, long-term support, or transplant.
• Examination of the multidisciplinary team approach in managing patients on support devices.

Main Results:

• Mechanical support devices have improved mortality and quality of life in select patient populations.
• These devices serve critical roles as temporary or long-term measures.
• A multidisciplinary team approach is associated with improved patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Mechanical support devices are vital for managing severe cardiac and respiratory failure.
• The effective use of these devices relies on a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
• Continued advancements in mechanical support technology offer improved patient prognoses.